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A BRIBF HISnrORY 



OF THE 



ANCESTRY AND POvSTERlTY 



ov 



ALLAN MACLEAN 

VERNON, COLONY OF CONNECTICUT 

NSW KNOLAND, U. S. A. 
BY 

MARY MCLEAN HARDY 



BERKELEY, CAL, 
NLvKouAND, Printing Co. 2036 Center Street 

1905 



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Mac Lean of Coll. 



MACLEAN COAT=OF=ARMS 



The seven different branches of the McLean family have each 
their own Coat-of Arms, although the central shield is the same 
in all. That of the MacLeans of Coll consists of the four quar- 
tered shield with the crest resting upon it, and, just above, a 
scroll with the words, ''Altera Merces.'' Under the shield is a 
scroll with the words, ''Virtus Durissima Terity The support- 
ers consist of a hound and an ostrich. 



// k 



'v 



preface: 



In these days we lead such a strenuous, earnest life 
that we seldom think of the trials and struggles of our 
ancestors who crossed the seas to seek a home in this 
pleasant land. Some of us know little of the progenitors 
of the McLean race. Having leisure, and access to 
valuable papers, I have found pleasure in compiling the 
following pages, and trust that the survivors of our 
branch of the old stock will find something to interest 
them. 

In the early history the wars and clan contentions seem 
fearful, but we must remember that those were fierce 
times and only by fighting could one keep his own. The 
character of those western clansmen, and the making of 
such character, is well shown in Lang's History of Scot- 
land, Vol. I. 

For the history of our ancestry I have tried to condense 
the ancient history of the McLeans as found in the 
"History of the Clan," published in 1889 by Prof. J. P. 
McLean, giving the character and exploits of the most 
prominent chiefs and lairds down to the time of our pro- 
genitor, Allan MacLean. Some facts have been given 
me by Rev. A. McLean Sinclair, Belfast, Prince Edward 
Island, Dominion of Canada, and much aid and encour- 
agement from a relative by marriage in Connecticut who 
is well versed in McLean genealogy. 

In tracing the posterity of Allan MacLean down to 
the present time I have had access to a manuscript vol- 
ume of recollections by Col. Francis McLean, of Ver- 



non, Conn., penned by his daughter in 1859, also some 
parts of a similar volume by Rev. Allen McLean of 
Simsbury. 

Some one has said that "We are true to ourselves only 
when "we act with becoming pride for the blood we in- 
herit and which we transmit to those who will soon fil^ 
our places." So may it be with all the McLeans as the 
swift days pass on until the night cometh. 

M. M. H. 
1(^11 Vine St. Berkeley, Cal. igo^. 




THB CLAN MACLBAN 



rnHE MacLeans have every reason to be proud of their 
1 history atid ancestry, even though it be judged in the 
light of the civilization of this age. Of all the clans of 
Scotland none is more deserving of honorable mention, 
or having its history carefully recorded, than that of 
MacLean. For centuries in the history of Scotland it 
held a conspicuous place for independence of bearing and 
disinterested loyalty. It rapidly grew in influence and 
power until it reached its zenith in 1453, at which time, 
during the reign of James VI. it was accounted the most 
powerful in the Hebrides. In 1493 the lands belonging 
to the clan comprised the greater part of the large island 
of Mull, the whole of the islands of Coll and Tiree, por- 
tions of Islay and Scarba, and districts on the main land 
in Morvern, Lochaber and Knapdale. 

No clan has received more honorable mention. Sir 
Walter Scott has sung concerning it: * 

May the race of Clan Gillian, the fearless and free, 
Remember Glenlivat, Harlow and Dundee. 

Prof. John Stuart Blackie says,t "There were mighty 
men in Mull in those days, and the MacLeans were 
among the mightiest. "William Allen, t a Scottish poet, 
says, "The MacLeans were all brave men — all Hectors, 
and the finest swordsmen of the Highlands." Andrew 
Lang writes of the MacLeans of Mull — "The Spartans 
of the North who never gave back in battle." 

• Flora Mclvor's Song. 
tAltavona, pp. 169, 178. 
3: Letter to J. P. McLean. 



The clan called in earlier history, Clan Gillian and 
Clan Lean, as well as Clan MacLean, existed more as a 
tribe than as a clan during its traditionary period. From 
1366 to 1493, when the Macleans were vassals of the 
Lords of the Isles, the history is clear and positive. In 
1493 the MacLeans became independent and numbered 
four powerful branches — Duard , Lochbuy, Ardgour and 
Coll. They were among the most loyal of the loyal in 
their adherence to the house of Stuart, and shared the 
sorrows of tha discrowned monarch at Inverkeithing and 
Culloden in 1746. During this period the clan under- 
went great vicissitudes, the lands being nearly all alien- 
ated and the house of Duard becoming practically extinct- 
From this time the history of the clan, as a clan, disap- 
pears and is succeeded by the records of various families. 
In religion the Clan MacLean followed the beliefs of their 
age, though never becoming idolaters. 

The growth of the clan was rapid till the chieftainship 
of Sir Lachlan Mor MacLean in 1580, when the zenith of 
its power was reached, although others would place it 
as late as the first baronet. Sir Lachlan, i6th Laird 
of MacLean in 1630. After this latter date the decline 
can be easily traced. The causes are manifold, — the long 
feud with the MacDonalds, the adherence to the house 
of Stuart and the enmity of the powerful house of Argyle, 
chief of the clan Campbell on the East. Skene, the great- 
est of all historians of Keltic Scotland, in speaking of the 
Argyle family, says,* "Its history consists principally in 
the details of a policy characterized by cunning and per- 
fid}^ and which obtained its usual success in the acqui- 
sition of great temporal grandeur and power." 

The chiefs maintained the dignity of the family. The 
clansmen were also true highlanders in whatever was re- 
garded as essential to dignity and hospitality. The 

tThe Higblanders, Vol. II, p. 284. 

6 



MacNeils, a celebrated race of bards, were the hereditarj' 
harpers of the MacLeans of Duard. For their physicians, 
the Beatons, the most famous of Scotland, were chosen, 
who also became the family seanachaidhs or genealogists, 
to whom the clan history owes its preservation. 

The home of the MacLeans is the island of Mull, one 
of the Hebrides, thirty miles long and twenty-five miles 
wide, and separated from the main land of Scotland by 
the Sound of Mull on the north and the Firth of Lorn on 
the east. A distinguishing feature of the island is Ben 
More, an extinct volcano rising to the height of three 
thousand one hundred and seventy-two feet. 

In 888 Harold Harfagr added the island to his king- 
dom of Norway, but the Norsemen made no permanent 
settlement there. 

In the year 1156 a bloody battle took place between 
Godred and Somerled, Thane of Argyle, and the great 
progenitor of the Lords of the Isles, which resulted in 
the former ceding to the latter several islands and dis- 
tricts including Islay, Jura and Mull. It is recorded that 
"the Danes were put to flight and the land of Mull and 
Morvern being freed at last from their yoke and slavery."* 

Angus Og MacDonald, fifth in descent from Somerled, 
was a faithful friend of Robert Bruce in his attempt to 
free his native land from the harsh grasp of England. As 
a reward for his services Bruce conferred upon him in 
1314 the lordship of Lochaber and the islands of Mull, 
Jura, Coll and Tiree, which had belonged to the family 
of Lome. 

Angus Og w^as succeeded by his son John as first Lord 
of the Isles, about the year 1329; he died about 1386 and 
was succeeded bj' his son Donald as second lord. Donald 
granted to Lachlan MacLean, July 12, 1390, charter to 
several lands and holdings in Mull and other isles, the 

*Co)lestana de Rebus Albanicis, p. 324. 



keepership of several castles and the office of steward of 
the house of Donald of the Isles. The above shows that 
the MacLeans possessed a portion of Mull by charter as 
early as 1390. 

Dr. John Beaton, the last genealogist of the MacLeans 
of Duard, and Dr. Kennedy, in his "Dissertation on the 
Royal lyine of Stuarts," trace the MacLean hne back to 
Ere, an Irish chieftain, and through Ere to Aonghas 
Turmhi Teambrach, an ancient Irish monarch. It can- 
not be proved that Gillean was or was not descended from 
any of the sons of Ere. Unquestionably, the MacLeans 
are of a purely Highland origin. 

The MacLeans can trace their origin with precision to 
Old Dougall, of Scone, who must have flourished about 
the year iioo, and has been described as an "influential, 
just and venerable man." He had one son, Raingee, 
whose son Conduilig, from whom the clan Conduilig, (that 
is clan McLean,) in the Island of Mull, became lay abbott 
of the Monastery of Lismore in Argyleshire ; his son was 
Niall, whose son was Rath or MacRath, who married a 
sister of the Somerled, mentioned above. He had a son — 

I. Gilleain — the First chief and founder of the Clan 
MacLean, or Clan Gilleain. He is often called Gilleain 
of the Battle-ax, from his habit of carrying that implement 
as his ordinary weapon and constant companion * He 
flourished about the year 1250. Gilleain means "Servant 
of St. John." His son— 

*The following anecdote is related of him. which probably accounts for 
the origin of the MacLean crest, which consists of a battle-ax between a 
laurel aud cypress branch, symbols of death and victory, and is still used 
on the coat-of-arms. He was on one occasion engaged in a stag-hunt 
upon a mountain, and having wandered from the rest of the party, the 
mountain suddenly becoming covered with mist, he lost his wav. After 
three days wandering, he entered a cranberry bush, where, fixing the 
battle-ax in the g-ound, he laid down to rest. His friends discovered 
him by seeing the head of the battle-ax above the bush. 



II. Gille-Iosa (Servant of Jesus) was Second chief, and 
a distinguished warrior under Alexander III. of Scotland. 
He performed prodigies of valor and in battle received 
honorable mention. He died in 1300 and was succeeded 
by his son — 

III. Malcolm, called also Gille-Calum, meaning Ser- 
vant of Columba, fought at Bannockburn at the head of 
his clan, June 24, 1314, and died in the reign of King 
David Bruce. He had three sons, Donald, Niall and John. 
He was succeeded by his son — 

IV. John, known as John Dubh, or Black John. 
He married a daughter of Cumming, Lord of the Braes 
of Lochaber, and died during the reign of Robert 
II. He had two sons, Lachlan, the Wily, and Hector, the 
Stern, to the former of whom he gave the lands of 
Duard; to the latter, those of Lochbuy. These two bro- 
thers made a considerable figure during the reigns of 
Robert II. and III. They were affectionate brothers — 
faithful in their friendships but fearful in their resent- 
ments. They engaged in desperate feuds with the clan 
MacDougall and the clan Cameron. Hector was the 
founder of the house of Lochbuy and that of Urquhart in 
Inverness, which for several centuries was one of great 
power. John was succeeded by his son — 

V. Lachlan Lubanach, first MacLean of Duard. His 
time probably antedates 1365. In 1366 he married Mar- 
garet, daughter of John, first Lord of the Isles, being 
forced to obtain a dispensation from the Pope for the mar- 
riage. Lachlan took the precaution to have his lands con- 
firmed by charter in 1390. He had five sons, Hector, 
John, Lachlan, Neil and Somerled. He lived to a great 
age and died before 1405. He was succeeded by his son — 

VI. Red Hector of the Battles, or Hector Roy, re- 
nowned as one of the best swordbmen of his time and of 



gigantic strength. Many knights came from distant parts 
to measure weapons with him, among them a knight from 
Norway who challenged him to mortal combat. They 
fought at Salem, in Mull, and the Norwegian fell. An 
old Gselic poem afi&rms that Hector led a great fleet to 
the coast of Ireland and there defeated some of the ships 
of the King of England. 

In 1409 Hector received a charter from Donald, Lord of 
the Isles, for certain lands, and is there described as "I^ord 
of Duard and Constable of the castle of Cairnburg," a 
small island two miles from Mull, almost inaccessible by 
nature, and used as a royal garrison for more than a 
thousand years. Hector married a daughter of the Earl 
of Douglas. In the renowned battle of Harlow MacLean 
commanded the right wing and performed prodigies 
of valor. Near the close of the battle fought July 24, 
141 1, he and Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum engaged in 
single combat with such fury that they fell dead, foot to 
foot on the field e'er a friend could assist them. Hec- 
tor's body was entombed on lona. Tradition represents 
him generous as well as brave. He left two sons, Each- 
Ian and John Dubh, the former of whom became the 
Seventh chief. 

VII. Lachlan Bronnach accompanied his father in 
the battle of Harlow and was made prisoner by Alexander 
Stewart, Earl of Mar, whose daughter he afterward mar- 
ried. He had one son, Lachlan Og, his heir and suc- 
cessor. By his second wife, who was a daughter of Wil- 
liam MacLeod of Harris, he had two sons, Niel of Ross 
and John Garbh of Coll, who founded the Coll branch of 
the family. 

VIII. Lachlan Og, or Young Lachlan, so called to 
distinguish him from his father, was Lord of Duard and 



xo 



chief of MacLean during a period when great political 
changes were about to take place in the Western Isles- 
The western chiefs had thought themselves practically in- 
dependent of the King, and obedient only to the Lord of 
the Isles who ruled in princely style. In the rebellion 
that resulted the Macleans adhered to John MacDonald, 
Fourth lyOrd of the Isles, Lachlan Og was beset both 
within and without in these troublous times. The gene- 
alogists declare him "to have been a good and pious 
man." He possessed rare judgment and maintained a 
peaceful demeanor. He married Catherine, daughter of 
Colin Campbell, first Earl of Argyle, and although his 
father-in-law sought to involve him in difficulties, his 
judgment and skill warded off every blow. He was living 
in 1478. His son Hector succeeded him. 

IX. Hector Odhar, the Swarthy, was also called the 
Brave, because of his warlike disposition which he dis- 
played in encounters with Angus MacDonald, son of the 
Lord of the Isles. As chief of his clan and Lieut-General 
of the Lord of the Isles, he fought under John, Fourth 
Lord, at the battle of Bloody Bay in 1482, and was killed 
at Flodden Field August 22, 15 13. • 

Before the time of Hector Odhar the chiefs of MacLean 
and those of other clans had been in feudal subjugation 
for several generations to the Lords of the Isles — the 
chiefs of the clan MacDonald, then the most powerful in 
Western Scotland. From them they received a great por- 
tion of their lands confirmed by charter to them and their 
heirs, in time considering themselves practically inde- 
pendent of the King Very important trusts were com- 
mitted to them, and in battle the post assigned the chief 
of MacLean was in the van, at the right of the Lord of 
the Isles. 

The MacDonalds were in frequent conflict with the 



II 



reigning sovereign. The chief of MacLean was one of 
the prominent leaders, and the valor of the MacLeans 
has been celebrated in story and song. John the Fourth 
Lord of the Isles was treacherous, and in a naval battle, 
fought in 1482, was subdued by his son Angus, referred 
to above. In 1493 the MacDonalds were conquered, and 
at a parliament held in Edinburgh, the possessions of the 
Lord of the Isles were declared to be irrevocably forfeited 
to the crown. 

It was during the chieftainship of Hector Odhar that 
the clan thus became independent of the Lords of the 
Isles and subject only to the King. By him the charters 
to their lands were confirmed. Several branches of the 
clan had alreadj' sprung from the parent stock, the most 
important of which were the families of Lochbuy, Coll 
and Ardgour, and to each of them, as well as to that of 
Duard (whose chief, according to an ancient writer, was 
"callit Great McLean,") separate charters were given. 
From henceforth "the clan rapidly grew in influence and 
power until it reached its zenith, near the close of the 
sixteenth century, at which time it was accounted the 
most powerful of any in the Hebrides." * The McLeans 
were an independent clan from 1493 to 1598. He was 
succeeded by his son — 

X. Lachlan Catanach, or the Shaggy, who was in- 
volved with the chiefs of other clans in an insurrection 
of the MacDonalds by vi^hich it was hoped to restore to 
the Lords of the Isles their former supremacy. Argyle, 
as usual, was deputed by the King to suppress them. 
The conflict was long and the success of the King's party 
only partial, but becoming disgusted with the selfishness 
and recklessness of MacDonald and the deceit he had 

*Gregory'z Western Highlands, p. 419. 



12 



practised upon them, Lachlan and the chief of Maclycod 
abandoned his cause and oiTered their submission to the 
regent, then in the place of the King who had fallen at 
Flodden. Some years later Lachlan was on terms of 
friendship with the new kitig, James V., and having let- 
ters of protection from him, went to Edinburgh where 
he was treacherously stabbed to death in bed and unpro- 
tected, by Sir John Campbell oi Calder, brother of Sir 
Colin, Karl of Argyle, who probably instigated the deed. 
This was in 1527. 

Lachlan's first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Archibald 
Campbell, second Earl of Argyle. He afterward married 
Margaret, daughter of Sir Dugald Campbell. His third 
wife was Marian, daughter of John MacEean of Tresh- 
nish, Capt. of Cairnburg, by whom he had two sons, 
Hector Mur, his successor, and Ailean na Sop. His mar- 
riages took place before he became chieftain, and he 
resided for many years in the stronghold of Cairnburg. 
The reason of his murder was that the Argyles wished to 
get possession of his lands. 

XI. Hector Mor, or Hector the Great, succeeded his 
father in 1527. He was a noble chieftain — good, kind, 
affectionate and brave — an accomplished politician and 
an approved warrior. He granted extended leases to 
his vassals to encourage the improvement of lands and 
the building of more comfortable dwellings. He lived 
more like a modern noble than a feudal baron. He found- 
ed that noble addition to Duard Castle, called the Great 
Tower. (Duard, meaning Black Promontory, from the 
high rock on which the castle stands to this day in ruins.) 
The King called him to his councils, and he took a seat 
in parliament as one of the lords of the kingdom. He 
married Mary, daughter of Alexander MacDonald of 
Islay and the Glens, by whom he had two sons and seven 
daughters. He provided handsomely for his daughters, 

13 



who were all married to leading men in the kingdom, and 
he left to his oldest son and heir an unburdened estate 
with a considerable amount of money. 

He sought to avenge the murder of his father by tak- 
ing part in burning the house of Roseneath, Lennox and 
Craignish, for which he received a roj'al remission in 
1531. In 1557 an invasion of his lands was contem- 
plated by Archibald Campbell, fourth Earl of Argyle. 
When he found Hector was ready to receive him, whether 
he came as friend or foe, the invasion was given up, 
changed into a nuptial gathering at Duard Castle, where 
a double marriage took place, Argyle receiving Catherine, 
second youngest daughter of Hector Mur, for his third 
wife, and giving his own daughter Janet to the heir of 
the chief of Duard. Hector Mur died about 1568 and 
was succeeded by — 

XII. Hector Og, or the Younger, was a spendthrift, 
who burdened the estate with debt. He inherited none 
of his father's noble qualities and was the only worthless 
chief of MacLean. He built a residence on lona, the 
ruins of which are still shown as "Garden of Young 
Hector." He had one son and three daughters. Sur- 
vived his father but five years, dying in 1573. His son — 

XIII. Sir Lachlan Mor MacLean, Knight, called also 
"Big Lachlan." both on account of his stature and the 
greatness of his mind, was the most accomplished and 
warlike chief that ever held sway in Duard. Historians 
say " he was one of the most remarkable men connected 
with the Highlanders of Scotland in his day."* " By his 
education on the continent he had learned civility and 
good manners and lived accordingly."! "It is good for 
the MacLeans to cherish in their heart of hearts Lachlan 

* Book of Scottish History, p. 638. 

t Spottiswoode's History of Church of Scotland, Vol. Ill, p. 344-. 

14 



Mor and Hector Mor." "He was the most talented and 
conspicuous among all chiefs, and in war and personal 
prowess had no equal.' ' King JamesVI. became very much 
interested in him and had him sent to Edinburgh and 
brought up in his court. His military genius fitted him 
to meet the emergency upon which the future of his clan 
seemed to depend. In 1576, at the age of eighteen, he 
took possession of the estates, and during his twenty-two 
years rule the clan was almost continually involved in 
strife either for the King, its allies or itself. He was an 
important personage in the cause of England during the 
reign of Elizabeth. In Aug. 1598 he was slain in Is- 
lay through the base treachery of his nephew, Sir James 
MacDonald, who had persuaded him to visit the island 
on pretext of an amicable settlement of their diflferences.* 
His death, in the 41st year of his age, was deeply la- 
mented, not only by his own people but by the High- 
land clans generally. His affable and kind bearing to- 
ward his vassals and friends, his cool behavior on the 
field of battle, and his commanding presence, always 
made him an ideal chieftain, while his early education 
biased him in favor of the Reformed religion, which he 
ardently embraced from a conviction of its truth, and 
thus became the first Protestant of his name. By exam- 
ple as well as precept he demonstrated to his people that 
he had no faith in the teachings of the Romish church. 
He married Margaret, daughter of William Cunningham, 
Karl of Glencairn, and had four sons and one daughter. 
He lies buried in the churchyard of Kilchoman, Islay. 

XlV. The first act of his son, Hector Og, or 
Young Hector, who became chief at twenty years of 
age, was to adopt retaliatory measures upon the Mac- 
Donalds for the death of his father and kinsmen, 
and, being joined by the Camerons of Lochiel and 

•Clan His. pp. 91-137. 

15 



other friendly clans, they descended on Islay, swept 
the MacDonalds off the island, severely wounded their 
chief and burned their dwellings. The removal of 
King James VI. from the court of Edinburgh to 
that of London was beneficial to the Isles as better 
laws were enacted for the government of the Isles. Hec- 
tor Og married first, Janet, daughter of Cailean Cam, 11th 
MacKenzie of Kintail, by whom he had Hector Mor, his 
heir, Lachlan, and Florence who married John Garbh, 
7th MacLean of Coll.* He married, second, Isabella, 
daughter of Sir Archibald Acheson of Gosford, by whom 
he had two sons, Donald, first MacLean of Brolass,t and 
one daughter. He died in i6iS, in the fortieth year of his 
age. 

XV. Hector Mor succeeded to an extensive and un- 
encumbered estate, when the family had great influence. 
He died childless in 1626 — the first failure in direct suc- 
cession in four hundred years. His brother Lachlan suc- 
ceeded him. 

XVI. Sir Lachlan MacLean, Bart., the first baronet, 
came into possession under the most favorable circum- 
stances. He had power and influence sufficient to guard 
him against any open attack, possessing the favor of the 
King (Charles I.) as some security against treachery, al- 
though his irreconcilable foe, Archibald Campbell, 8th 
Earl of Argyle, made many attempts to entrap him. The 
first visit of Lachlan to court after the death of his bro- 
ther was in 163 1, and while there Charles created him 
baronet of Nova Scotia, by the title of Sir Lachlan Mac- 
Lean of Morvern. The reception tendered him by the 
King made a lasting impression on his generous nature 
and confirmed him in that steadfast loyalty from which 

•See Clan His. p. 287. 
t See Clan His. p. 224. 

i6 



he never swen^ed, but which laid the foundation of many 
disastrous results to the clan. 

About this time there began that rapid decline of the 
clan in power and possessions due in a measure to the 
jealousies existing among the several branches of the 
family and the severe conflicts with the clan MacDonald, 
all of which were fostered and encouraged by the ava- 
ricious King James whose grasping policy and cunning 
behests were executed by those princes of perfidy and dupli- 
city, Archibald and Colin Campbell, but more especially to 
the machinations and greed of the Campbells who, be- 
cause they could not induce the MacLeans to join them 
in their treachery and intrigue, and being covetous of 
their lands and holdings in the isles, became their most 
bitter foes. 

The close of the civil wars in 1644-48, which resulted 
in the triumph of the parliamentary armies and the de- 
thronement of Charles I. brought to the front the am- 
bitious and unscrupulous, the result of which was that 
law and justice were trampled under foot. The time had 
now come v/hen the long cherished desire of the house of 
Argyle against the MacLeans might be realized. Since 
the commencement of this strife of parliament with the 
King's forces, the estate of MacLean had paid none 
of the public dues. Sir Lachlan estimating the amount of 
those dues trifling enough to indemnify him for the ex- 
pense of maintaining a thousand armed followers on 
behalf of the King during Montrose's campaigns; and, 
from conscientious reasons, he now felt less disposed to 
pay them into the hands of those whom he believed had 
usurped the King's authority. 

Noncompliance on the part of Sir Lachlan was just 
what Argyle desired. He instantly set himself about 
purchasing all the debts, both public and private, which 
he could find against the Chief of Maclean, and these 

17 



debts, with certain alleged to be owing to the bishop of 
the isles, and some old debts, for the payment of which 
he pretended to be security, enabled Argyle to establish 
a claim of ^30,000. He then issued secretly and of his 
own authority a writ of attachment against the person 
of Sir Lachlan, who was taken prisoner "at Inverary and 
thrown into Argyle' s castle of Carrick for a debt due to 
Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyle." For upward 
of a year Sir Lachlan suffered imprisonment rather than 
sign a bond of acknowledgment of the debt demanded by 
Argyle. His health at length declining, and seeing no 
hope of relief by legal measures, in a country now pros- 
trate, he was induced to yield to the wishes of his friends 
and signed the bond; whereupon he was liberated, to re- 
turn in a dying condition to his castle in Mull where, on 
the 1 8th of April, 1648, he expired. * * * The 
settlement of this claim was purposely delayed by the 
Campbells many years, and continually augmented, until 
by craft and falsehood, added to great influence at court, 
they succeeded in obtaining about ;^ioo,ooo from the 
Macleans, and finally the larger part of their lands. 

It is recorded that "Archibald Campbell, ist Marquis 
of Argyle, for his many crimes was beheaded at the cross 
at Edinburgh, May 16, 1661." and his son Archibald, 
"for treachery and treason was beheaded June 30, 1685." 

Sir Lachlan MacLean married Mary, second daughter 
of Sir Roderick MacLeod of MacLeod, by whom he had 
two sons. Hector and Allen, and three daughters. 

XVII. Hector Roy, or Hector Rufus, Bart., succeed- 
ed his father. His lines were cast upon evil times, civil 
commotions continuing during his rule. Charles II. 
was crowned at Scone in 1651, He was slain in the 
battle of Inverkithing. Of the 800 MacLeans engaged 
but forty escaped alive. As Hector never married, he 
was succeeded by his brother Allen ^ 

18 



XVIII. Sir Allen MacLean, Bart. His death oc- 
curred in 1674. His son — 

XIX. Sir John, Bart., succeeded at the age of four, 
under two kinsmen as regents till 1686, when Sir John 
appointed four agents for his business and started on his 
travels, first to England, thence to France, whence he 
returned to Ireland with King James II., to whom he 
remained faithful, resisting the government of William 
and Mary. He was continually persecuted by the Ar- 
gyles, as his ancestors had been. He lived much of the 
time in London. He died at Gordon castle, 12th of March, 
17 16, aged 45, and was the last of the powerful lords of 
Duard. ,He left one son and five daughters. He was 
fine looking, graceful and agreeable, his polite address 
showing he had spent much time at court. He was well 
educated, speaking Gaelic, English and French fluently. 
A sturdy honesty was the leading characteristic of his 
family and from that standard he never departed. His 
gallant behavior at Killiekrankie when but eighteen, and 
at Sheriffmuir showed his bravery. His life was a monu- 
ment of the injunction, "Put not your trust in Princes." 
It is gratifying to know that the Morvern estates and 
Duard passed out of the Argyle family in 18 19. Sir John 
was succeeded by his son — 

XX. Sir Hector MacLean, Bart., born at Calais in 1703. 
At the age of four he was taken to England, thence to 
the Highlands, to the care of Donald MacLean of Coll 
till he was 18. He then studied in Edinburgh, and in 
1721 went to France to complete his studies in belle-letters 
and civil law, where he remained till the revolution un- 
der Prince Charles Exiward Stuart broke out in 1745. 
The battle of Culloden, disastrous to the Prince, may be 
said to have ended the clan system. Sir Hector remained 
faithful to the Stuart cause till his death which occurred 
at Rome Oct. 1750. He died without issue. He was 

19 



succeeded bj' Sir Allan MacLean, fourth Laid of Bro- 
lass, a descendant of the second marriage of Hector Og, 
14th Chief of the Mac Leans. 

XXI. Sir Allan MacLean, Bart., of Brolass, em- 
braced a military life and was Captain-commandant of 
nine companies of Montgomery's Highlanders, sent to 
America and serving at Fort Duquesne, Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point until the termination of hostilities in 
1760. He afterwards attained to the rank of Colonel and 
retired on half pay, with his three daughters, to the 
island of Inch Kenneth where he lived in plenty and 
elegance. He had a tedious, expensive law suit with the 
Duke of Argyle, gaining a portion of his ancient patri- 
mony. He entertained the celebrated Dr. Samuel John- 
son in 1773, who gives a very interesting account of his 
visit at the "hut" (huts were distinguished from "hou.ses" 
by being of one story only,) in his "Tour to the Hebri- 
des." This was "furnished with unexpected neatness 
and convenience, and occupied by a gentleman and two 
ladies of high birth, polished manners and elegant con- 
versation, who practised all the kindnesses of hospitality 
and refinements of courtesy." He died Dec. 10, 1783. 
The name of Sir Allan MacLean is still spoken of with 
great respect in Mull and the adjacent islands. He was 
particularly noted for his hospitality to strangers, amia- 
bility of disposition and courteous bearing. He was 
buried in the ancient cemetery on the island of lona 
where his grave can be seen, covered by a sculptured 
sand-stone, enclosed by a low stone wall, not far from the 
ruins of the ancient chapel. 

As he died without male heirs he was succeeded in his 
titles by his nearest of kin, a descendant of his grand- 
uncle, Hector Og. 

XXII. Sir Hector MacLean, Bart., who died without 



20 



issue Nov. 2, 1818, and v/as succeeded by his half- 
brother — 

XXIII. Sir Fitzroy Jeffreys Grafton MacLean, Bart., 
who made the profession of arms his choice and rose rap- 
idly from the rank of Ensign to that of General in 1837. 
He spent twenty-eight years of active service in the hot 
climate of the West Indies. In 18 15 he returned to 
England and lived in London till his death, July 5, 1847. 
He married the widow of John Bishop of Barbadoes, and 
was succeeded by his son — 

XXIV. Sir Charles Fitzroy MacLean, Bart., who 
commanded the 8ist Regiment of Scotch Guards and died 
in 1883. In 1 83 1 he married Emily, daughter of Rev. 
Jacob Markham, D. D., Canon of Windsor. His son — 

XXV. Sir Fitzroy Donald MacLean, Bart., the heredi- 
tary chief at the present time, served in the Crimean 
war in 1854-5. His last visit to the United States was 
in 1893, upon invitation of the MacLeans of Chicago and 
vicinity, to visit the Columbian Exposition as their 
guest. A royal reception was tendered him, and he 
appeared in full Highland costume, the plaid being the 
MacLean dress tartan, his bonnet, with the three eagles' 
feathers, in his right hand. He also wore the Crimean 
medal, two clasps and Turkish medal received for ser- 
vices in the Crimean war. Every one of his clansmen 
wore the tartan. 

The menu card was a work of art and bore upon its 
title-page the family crest, an uplifted battle-ax crossed 
by a branch of laurel and one of cypress. Among the 
prominent guests were Hector MacLean, of Nova Scotia, 
and Archibald John MacLean, of Pennycross. Sir Fitz- 
roy responded to the toast, "Our Guests." A concert 
was the last of the entertainment provided, the music 
being exclusively Scottish, whether produced by the 

21 



bagpipe, violin, orchestra or human voice. The chief 
expressed deep appreciation of the courtesies shown him. 

In time there came to be many branches of the family, 
each with its chief called "laird," a term implying consid- 
erable landed estate and tenantry, and from each of these 
allegiance is due to the chief of the house of Duard who 
was descended in the line of the eldest son from the pro- 
genitor of all, Gilleain. 

An association has been formed in Scotland with 
branches in America for " reviving and promoting clan 
interests by collecting records and traditions, the culti- 
vation of social intercourse among its members, rendering 
assistance to needy clansmen and encouraging the study 
of the Gaelic language and literature," to which all Mac- 
Leans are eligible. 

:li: ^ ^ Jfi ^ 

The MacLeans believed that the Stuarts were their right- 
ful sovereigns, as they were, according to the old law of 
succession which by many in those days was considered 
the law of God. The clan continued its adherence to the 
house of Stuart until the cause became utterly hopeless — 
losing immensely in men, money and lands in its defense- 

The English kings, to whom they were compelled to 
submit, regarding the system of clanship as imcompatible 
with the exercise of their own authority, determined to 
put an end to it, and enacted very severe laws for the 
purpose. The chiefs were deprived of their hereditary 
jurisdiction and the power to protect and provide for the 
clansmen who had always adhered to them with such loy- 
alty and love. A disarming act took from them the arms 
they had often used with such vigor and skill so that not 
enough were left to them for the defense of their homes. 
Heavy penalties were inflicted upon any found in posses- 
sion of weapons; transportation for seven years follow- 
ing the second offense. 

22 



Still more grievous was the act that forbade the wearing 
of the dress that had been the national costume from time 
immemorial, and which distinguished the Highlanders 
from all other people, and, by slight differences, each clan 
from every other. The Lowland dress was very incon- 
venient and obnoxious, and they felt themselves insulted 
in being compelled to wear it; but for any man or boy, 
upon whom appeared any part of the Highland garb, the 
punishment for the first offense was imprisonment for 
six months, and for the second, transportation for seven 
years. So unpopular was this act that after a while it 
became impossible rigidly to enforce it, but it was not re- 
pealed until it had been on the statute books nearly forty 
years. In the meantime these oppressive laws had driven 
thousands of Highlanders out of the country, very many 
of them emigrating to America, carrying with them a 
passionate love of their old home, and loyalty to their 
chief as their rightful head. 



23 



THE MACLEANS OF COLL 



The island of Coll is distant about six miles from the 
extreme western point of the island of Mull. It is four- 
teen miles long and two and a half broad. It is an un- 
dulating moorland with fertile patches and some low hills, 
the highest, Ben Hogh, 339 feet. The sea coast is rocky 
and precipitous, indented with several inlets, affording 
very good harbors. There are 48 fresh water lochs on 
the island, one of them, lyoch Breachacha, is upon the 
east side of the south-western part, and near its head is 
Breachacha Castle, the seat of the MacLeans of Coll. 
The earliest description of it is contained in an official 
document written between 1577 and 1595- It is 80 feet 
in height, surrounded by three walls, and is still entire 
although deserted. Breachacha (Breachd or Breac, spot- 
ted, and achadh, a field or meadow, so called because in 
summer it is enameled with clover and daisies.) 

The Coll family, to which the writer belongs, is one of 
the older and more powerful branches of the Duard fam- 
\\y, descended from John Garbh, the second son of the 
second marriage of I^achlan Bronnach, 7th Chief of Mac- 
Lean who was living in 1493. 

I. John Garbh was so called from his gigantic stature 

and great strength. The clan was then, as it had been 

for more than a century, subject to the Lord of the Isles, 

and from him John Garbh demanded an inheritance. He 

was granted the island of Coll, also lands in Mull, Loch- 

aber and Morvern, and afterward purchased the island 

of Rum. He lived, feared by his enemies and respected 

by his friends. He married Isabella, daughter of Frazer 

of Lovat, and became founder of a highly esteemed and 

influential branch of the clan, of which he was first laird. 

His only son — 

24 



II. John Abracb, so called on account of his living 
most of the time on his possessions in Lochaber, married 
Janet, daughter of Ewen, 5th Maclyean of Urquhart, and 
had two sons, John and Hector, who were very young at 
the time their father was killed by Cameron of Lochiel. 
A branch of the Camerous, however, fought bravely for 
Coll, and rescued and cared for his wife and children, 
for which service there was ever after a reciprocal friend- 
ship between the two families, and in token of this amity 
it was cut in stone over the gate of Breachacha Castle 
that any of this tribe should be welcome there and should 
be rescued and protected against all enemies. 

III. John, the oldest son, was in possession of the 
estate in 1493. In 1545 he was one of the lairds who 
consented to a treaty with the English king. He was 
succeeded in his estates by his brother — 

IV. Hector, a man of letters, who understood Latin 
well, and devoted much of his time to writing poetry, 
both Latin and Gaelic, showing a devout spirit. In 1561 
a feud broke out between the families of Duard and Coll 
on account of the former insisting that the latter should 
follow him in all his private quarrels, which Coll declined 
because he held his lands direct from the crown, thus 
claiming the privileges of a free baron who owed no ser- 
vice but to the Sovereign as his feudal superior. Irri- 
tated by the independent tone assumed by Coll, the Lord 
of Duard, Hector Mor taking advantage of Coil's tempo- 
rary absence, caused his lands to be ravaged and his ten- 
ants imprisoned so that the family of Coll, from being in 
a prosperous condition, was reduced to the brink of ruin, 
and it was several years before the privy council took 
note of the situation and ordered Duard to make repara- 
tion. Hector married Meve, daughter of Alister Mac- 
Donald of Islay, by whom he had one son — 



25 



V. Hector Roy, who married Marian, daughter of 
Hector Og, 13th chief of Duard, and was succeeded by 
his son — 

VI. Lachlan, a prominent figure in his day, who 
ruled between 1580 and 1640. One of his first acts was 
to free his lands from the hands of Sir Lachlan Mor Mac- 
Lean who had taken possession of them during his 
minority. He petitioned the privy council for redress 
which was granted. In 1609 he was one of the chiefs 
who met the Bishop of the Isles at lona when the famous 
statutes of Icolmkill were enacted. In 16 16 he appeared 
before the privy council which bound him to exhibit an- 
nually one of his kinsmen, to reside at his castle of 
Breachacha, and to keep not more than one tun of wine, 
also to build and repair the parish kirk. It is stated that 
when he became convinced of the truth of the reformed 
doctrines, he converted his tenants in Mull from papacy 
by meeting them when going to chapel, and driving them 
back into a barn where a Presbyterian clergyman was to 
preach. He lived to a good old age and was much re- 
spected. He married Florence, daughter of the laird of 
MacLeod, and was succeeded by his son. (His third 
son was Neil of Drimnacross, founder of the Drimnacross 
branch of the Coll family.) 

VII. John Garbh, his eldest son, was a man of great 
wisdom and piety— a lover of men and given to hospi- 
tality. "He exhibited temperance and piety during his 
whole life." He married Florence, daughter of Sir Dou- 
gald Campbell, of Auchnabreck, by whom he had Hec- 
tor Roy, who married Marian, daughter of Hector Mac- 
Lean of Torlisk. He died before his father, leaving as 
successor his son — 

VIII. Lachlan, a man of brave and warlike spirit, 
much regarded at home and abroad. He went to Holland 

26 



where he was captain of a Dutch regiment. He was 
drowned in the water of Lochy, in Lochaber, August, 
1687. He married Marian, daughter of John Dubh, Cap- 
tain of Clanroland, by whom he had one son, his suc- 
cessor — 

IX. John Garbh, a youth of great promise, accident- 
alh'' killed in Edinburgh at the age of eighteen. He was 
succeeded by his uncle Donald, second son of Hector 
Roy. 

X. Donald married Isabella, dau. of Sir Rory Mac- 
Leod of Tallisker, by whom he had one son, Hector. He 
married the second time, Marian, dau. of Sir Norman 
MacLeod, by whom he had four sons and one daughter. 
He died in April, 1729, universally respected. To him 
succeeded his eldest son — 

XI. Hector, a tall, handsome man, with black hair 
and eyes, a fine complexion, an expressive countenance, 
polite in his address and endowed with an excellent 
memory, quick perception and a solid judgment. Al- 
though practising great economy, he was generous. He 
knew how to make money and how to use it judiciously. 
His passions were strong but fully controlled. The estate 
had been greatly burdened with debt, but through the 
judicious management of his father and himself he left 
it free of all encumbrances and a handsome fortune be- 
sides. Near the castle he built a handsome residence 
where he lived opulently and contented, with hospitality. 
His influence was such that to a great extent he had the 
direction of the clan MacLean. He was opposed to the 
revolution of 1745; not that he opposed the house of Stu- 
art, but knew the effort would be futile. 

The last harper in Mull, Murdoch MacDonald, was 
harper to Hector MacLean of Coll until 1734. The Mac- 
Neils were the hereditary harpers of the MacLeans of 

27 



Duard. Hector was twice married, but leaving no male 
issue, was succeeded by his half-brother — 

XII. Lachlan, who married Catherine, daughter of 
Donald MacLean of Brolass, but leaving no children, was 
succeeded by his brother — 

XIII. Hugh, who married Janet, daughter of Don- 
ald MacLeod of Tallisker, by whom he had seven sons 
and one daughter. He was succeeded by his second son — 

XIV. Alexander, a thorough Highlander, of inde- 
pendent character, generous disposition, kind to his 
tenants, and a student at law. He married Catherine, 
eldest daughter of Capt. Allan Cameron of Glendessary, 
and had one son and six daughters He died in 1835 
and was succeeded by his son — 

XV. Hugh, a man of dignity, commanding appearance, 
kind, affable and just. His father, Alexander, removed 
from Coll in 1828 to Mull, and the family never returned 
to live in Coll. In the immediate neighborhood of Tober- 
mory is a beautiful loch, called Mary's Lake, which was 
owned by Hugh. The spot is a beautiful one, situated 
between two finely wooded hills, extremely precipi- 
tous in their descent. This spot Hugh improved in a 
manner highly creditable to his taste and judgment, and 
on its banks erected the elegant mansion of Drumfin. 
He was born in 1782, and having preferred a military 
life, rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and served in 
the Guards. He received the estate burdened and added 
to the indebtedness, so that it was deemed advisable to 
sell the whole estate which was done in April, 1856, 
causing its owner great sorrow. It was an evil day to 
the inhabitants of Coll as the long line of lairds had been 
generous to those who looked to them for succor. 

Hugh married, first in 1814, Janet, daughter of James 
Dennistoun, by whom he had four daughters; married, 

28 



second, in 1825, Janet Robertson, and had four sons and 
two daughters. During the latter years of his life he 
lived in London, and in 1861 died at Woodville, in the 
house of his daughter Margaret. His oldest son suc- 
ceeded him. 

XVI. Alexander, the last laird of Coll, inherited in 
a remarkable degree the characteristics of his family, 
great benignity and kindliness of disposition which made 
his forefathers among the most popular landlords of their 
day. In 1849 he emigrated to Natal, Africa, where he 
died July 11, 1875, aged 47. He was never married. In 
him the family of Coll in the direct line became extinct. 

When Allan MacLean, our progenitor, left Scotland 
in 1740, for America, Hector, the Eleventh Laird of 
Coll, had possession of the island, or a greater part of it, 
and being a not distant relative, was doubtless well known 
to him. 

THE MACLEAN CROSS 



The tombs of the MacLeans are in the cemetery of 

St. Oran's Chapel, lona. "By the street of the dead, — 

at one time lined with crosses, — we came to the beautiful 

Runic cross, known as MacLean's cross. It is formed 

out of a single slab of mica schist, and stands about 1 1 

feet high, on solid masonry, unprotected. Within the 

circle, in the upper part is represented the crucifiction 

of Christ. On one of the arms is an hour-glass, on 

the other, a cross. It is undoubtedly the oldest cross in 

existence, and is assigned to the period of St. Columba, 

563 A. D. The tracery of its interlacing lines is perfect, 

and although the cross erected 600 years later, to Martin 

of Tours, is the lona Cross of Christendom, MacLean's 

cross is unique. 

M. E. Leicester Addis. Frank Leslie, i8g6. 

29 



THE MACLEANS OF DRIMNACROSS 



This branch is descended from Neil MacLean of Drim- 
nacross, third son of Lachlan, sixth laird of Coll. 

He was an officer in the Highland Regiment of Sir 
Lachlan MacLean, ijlh chief of the clan during the civil 
wars, and under Sir Hector Roy MacLean of Duard and 
Morvern, Colonel of Foot for the County of Argyle, was 
severely wounded at Inverkeithing July 20, 1652. He 
fought for Prince Charles against Cromwell. In this bat- 
tle there were 800 MacLeans and 700 Buchanans, and 
others who stood and repulsed for four hours the attacks 
of a section of Cromwell's army, thrice their number, 
which had entirely surrounded them. Their despera'.e 
purpose being to "neither yield nor fly," thej' fought with 
unabated fury until, according to some historians, but forty 
of the MacLeans remained alive, these being severely 
wounded and taken prisoners; another more moderate 
statement affirms that "Sir Hector was left among the 
slain with 500 of his followers." 

He married Florence, daughter of Allan MacDonald of 

Morrer, and had issue: Hector, Allan, Marian, Ann, 

Florence, Margaret and Janet. 

The eldest son, Hector MacLean of Torrestan, was a 
Captain in Sir John MacLean's regiment at Killiecrankie, 
July 27, 1689, and was killed at Dunkeld. He had mar- 
ried Florence, daughter of Lachlan MacLean of Calgary, 

Allan MacLean, the second son, was born probably 
somewhat before the last quarter of the 17th century, and 
died not many years before or after the first quarter of 
the 1 8th. His home was at Grisiboll, or GrishipoU, on 
the island of Coll. The ruins of Grisiboll castle can still 
be seen in the center of the island. By tradition, he was 
a professor in a university in Scotland. He married Cath- 
erine MacLean, daughter of Hugh, or Ewen (the names 

30 



are the same in old Gaelic manuscripts) MacLean of 
Balliphetrish, of whom an old manuscript says "he was a 
worthy gentleman of the family of Borreray." Professor 
John MacLean, of Princeton University, N. J., and his 
son. Rev. Dr. John MacLean., late President of the same 
college, and Rev. Dr. Alexander MacLeod of New York, 
were descended from the Borreray branch. Catherine 
was born Aug. 1668, and lived to the good old age of 96 
years, as a letter from her son Lachlan to his brothers in 
America, written in 1764, refers to her as then living at 
that extreme old age. Their children were Lachlan, John, 
Neil, Allan. Florence, who married Donald MacLean of 
Calgary, and Mary, married to John MacLean of Guird- 
hill, in Rum. 

Lachlan, the eldest son, was born June 21, 1693. He 
was a merchant in Glasgow, and from that place wrote 
to his brothers Neil and Allan, in this country, in 1759. 
1764 and 1765, Four letters have been preserved and 
are now in the possession of a descendant of Allan Mac- 
Lean. There is also a letter written in 1760 to Sir Allan 
MacLean, a Baronet of Brolass, who became the 2i3t 
chief of the clan. In 1757 he came to America as one 
ot the captains of the 77th regiment (Montgomery's 
Highlanders) stationed in Canada. The letter was sent to 
Dr. Neil MacLean of Hartford, Conn., to be forwarded to 
Sir Allan. It is easy to imagine why it was not sent to 
its destination and so came down to us. 

Lachlan was much older than his brothers Neil and 
Allan, and his interest in them and their children, and in 
other nephews in Europe and America, is more like that 
of a father than a brother or uncle, and is very pleasant 
to notice. Furthermore, as far as these letters refer to 
any individual or event mentioned in the "History of the 
Clan MacLean," (by John P. MacLean, pub. in Cincin- 
nati, O. ) they confirm the printed work, and the history 
which is so much fuller in some cases in detail, throws 

31 



light upon some things merel}' hinted at in the written 
letters, because understood by those to whom they were 
written. The letters and the history thus unintentionally 
corroborate each other. 



29 Glasgow, Octor. 1759 
Dear Brother: 

* * * * I now come to congratulate 

you upon 3'our present happie state of Matrimony, it 
gives me pleasure to finde She proves a Kinde Mother to 
the Motherless, (refers to Dr. Neil's second marriage in 
ly^j.) -'^ * * * 

I must ob-serve to you that I have been very sensible of 
your long silence to mj' repeated letters. * * 
writing * * -'^ 2 or 3 times in the year can 
he no trouble where brotherlv love remains. 



Glasgow, i June, 1764 
Dear Brother : 

* * * * Considering our advanced 

age, we Should now be Strongly cemented in Brotherly 
love, being a material part of religion, and in order to 
ascertain that indispensable principle of mutuall regard 
and affection, we vShould for the short remainder of our 
time Imbrace proper opportunity of Corresponding, and 
as we have no chance during our short abode here to en- 
joy the pleasure of any personall interview, we should 
cheerfully use the faculty and means which God in his 
wisdom and kinde providence has favored us with to Sup- 
plye the want of personall presence, that of exchanging 
our sentiments affectionately by Missive letters. I incline 
it much, and the pleasure resulting Should be reciprocal! 
as the dutie is mutuall. * * May God bless 

your family and children, & I am most affectionately 

Your Loving Brother, 

La: MacLean. 

The part of this letter of 29th Octor. was scribbled over 
in great hurrie with candle light. I wish you may be 
able to read it. 

32 



Lachlan was twice married. By his first wife he had 
several sons and daughters, all of whom died young ex- 
cept Lachlan, unmarried, and Catherine, married to David 
Burnett of Annat Hill. 

John, Allan's second son, married Anne, daughter of 
Rev. John MacLean of Kilmore, in Mull, by whom he 
had John and Archibald. John was a merchant in Nor- 
folk, Virginia, where he was married and left one daugh- 
ter. Archibald was a merchant in Dantzig and married 
May, daughter of Mr. Symson, one of the magistrates of 
Memel, and had issue four sons and several daughters. 

Neil, Allan's third son, was born, according to some 
records, in 1702, (another, 1705) on the island of Coll. 
According to reliable tradition, he came to America with 
the distinguished Dr. Morrison (of Hartford) in 1736, and 
this fact .serves to corroborate the tradition that he, like 
Dr. M., was a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. 
He practised in Wethersfield for some years afterward, 
both he and Mr. M. settled in Hartford, and both became 
eminent physicians. Dr. Russell of Hartford wrote of 
him, " he has always been spoken of as a man of refined 
education, great dignity and ease of manner, and uncom- 
mon benevolence of heart."* He died in Jan. 1784, aged 
82 years. 

Succeeding records of Dr. Neil's family are to be found 
in history of his family, published by John J. McLean, 
Palmyra, N. Y. 

* Sketches of Lives of Medical Men in New England- 



33 



FAMILY OF ALLAN MACLFAN 

1715— 1786 



Allan, fourth son of Allan and Catherine MacLean of 
Grisipoll, states in his own handwriting in a manuscript 
volume (a copy of which is now in the possession of 
Ex-Governor George P. McLean of Simsbury, Connec- 
ticut) that he was born at "Kilbride,"* "Island of Coll, 
Shire of Argyle, North Britian, i August. 17 15. Sailed 
from Newport, Glasgow, Scotland, July 22, 1740. Arrived 
at Boston, September 17th. Went to Hartford, Conn, 
in Oct. of the same year. Was married to Mrs. Susanna 
Beauchamp, daughter of Mr. Isaac Beauchamp, an emi- 
nent merchant in Hartford, and honorable family, the 
28th of Oct., 1 74 1. She departed this life the 5th of Dec, 
1742, and was buried in her father's tomb at Hartford." 
(This tomb is in the Cemetery, back of the Centre Church.) 
"I was favored with her good and religious conversation 
for thirteen months and eight days." 

Allan must have brought propert}'- with him from Scot- 
land as he soon after established himself as a merchant in 
Hartford, was unfortunate and lost all, in accounting for 
which he would often say, "the Yankees were too cunning 
forme." He entered into the service of the English in the 
French and Indian war as Lieutenant and Commissary, 
being stationed at Stillwater, N. Y. from 1757 to 1762. 
He was in Col. Carlisle's Regiment. As his name does 
not appear in the Colonial Records at the State House, 
Hartford, it is probable that he was connected with a regu- 
lar British Regiment. In 1768 a mandamus was received 

• The word "Kilbride" is not inserted in the manuscript which gives as 
his birthplace "Island of Coll, etc.," but is taken from the fly-leaf of a. 
■volume of Watts' Sermons which was bought in Boston soon after his 
arrival. This l>ook was a few years since in the possession of Dwight 
McLean of Hartford, Conn. 

34 



from the King, granting him 3000 acres of land for ser- 
vices rendered. There was an attempt to locate this grant 
in Westchester Co., 40 miles from New York, by the emi- 
nent lawyers, Leake, Butler and Small, of that city, and 
after two 5'ears of services on their part, a hearing was 
given the case before the Gov. and Council, but was 
decided adversely on the ground that there was no vacant 
land in the county. So great was the expense incurred 
in these proceedings and so much anxiety that it wor- 
ried the good old veteran through his life and undoubt- 
edly hastened his death. 

In 1810 his grandson. Col. Francis McLean visited 
St. Albans, St. Armaud and Montreal, Canada, in the 
interest of his grandfather's mandamus. He had em- 
ployed lawyers in these three places, seeking to have the 
grant of land located in Canada. The case was tried in 
Quebec but amounted to nothing. The original docu- 
ment can be found among the royal archives in Quebec. 

Soon after Allan's return from Stillwater, he purchased 
a tract of land in Vernon, then North Bolton, Conn., 
but afterward lived with his son Alexander, in Bolton, 
about eight years. In 1779 he with his son removed to 
the Wheaton Place, a mile N. E. of Vernon, where he 
died April 9, 1786, and was buried in the old cemetery in 
the eastern part of Vernon. 

The following inscription is upon his tombstone: "Here 
lies the body of Mr. Allan McLean who died April 9th, 
1786, in ye 71st year of his age. 

A sweet remembrance of the just 

Shall flourish while they sleep in dust." 

Allan MacLean received a good education, both secluar 
and religious, in Scotland, as shown by his subsequent 
writings, especially the manuscript volume penned by 
him Jan. 6, 1780, and May 15, 1784, consisting of pray- 
ers, a few verses of hymns, and reflections upon religious 

35 



subjects after the manner of Doddridge and others near 
the same period, showing that he was a good old Scotch 
Presbyterian. He was a man of great kindness of heart 
and courtesy of manner. His ancient family Bible, printed 
in Scotland in 1731, is now in the possession of Mrs. Ed- 
ward McLean, of Oakland, Cal. ; a hymn book con- 
taining the inscription, "Allan MacLean baught this book, 
Scaterzkill, in Mull, 12 Julie, 1738, memento mori," 
printed in the old Gaelic language, was placed in the His- 
torical Rooms, Atheneum Building, Hartford, several 
years ago. The original Lachlan MacLean letters from 
Scotland, several letters from lawyers, bills and commis- 
sary accounts, deeds and various documents, together 
with his spectacle-case and wallet are carefully preserved 
in a little quaintly stamped leather trunk, eleven by six 
inches, brought from Scotland by our ancestor, and are 
now in the possession of the writer. 

Allan MacLean married (2) Dec. 6, 1744, Mary Loomis. 
dau. Mr. Jabez and Mary Ferry Loomis of Bolton. The 
following children were born in East Hartford: 

1. Mary b. Sept. 10, 1745, d. May 15, 1819 

2. Alexander b. July 18, 1747, d. June 30, 1806 

3. Jabez b. Aug. 12, 1749, d. Jan. 7, 1757 

4. Susannah b. Sept. 29, 175 1, d. Mar. 15, 1815 

His wife, Mrs. Mary Loomis MacLean was born Sept. 
28, 1723, d. Aug. 6, 1790, in the family of her son Alex- 
ander. 

I. Mary, eldest daughter of Allan and Mary Loomis 
MacLean, m. (i) March 9, 1764, Beriah Bronson. She con- 
tracted this romantic marriage with a poor man somewhat 
against the advice of her parents, who had selected for 
her a wealthy man of Bolton. She became the mother 
of six children. Her husband died in 1794. She mar- 
ried (2) March 9, 1797, Oliver Skinner, and lived in 

36 



Wapping." "She was a tall, stout-built woman, like her 
mother; social, full of fun — always cheerful, and always 
humoring her children." She was greatly beloved by all 
her friends and relatives. 

4. Susannah, fourth child of Allan and Mary Loomis 
MacLean, m.( i) David Dorchester, and had six children, m 
{2) Elijah King. "She governed her children better than 
her mild-tempered sister Mollie," and was a bright, ener- 
getic woman. 



37 



FAMILY OF CAPT. ALEXANDER McLEAN, 

N. BOLTON, NOW VERNON, CONN. 



2. Alexander, for many years the only son of Allan 
and Mary Loomis McLean, received an education good for 
the times in which he lived, well fitting him for the com- 
mon business of life. He was a hard-working, ambi- 
tious man, fond of business and a great farmer. In all 
his business affairs he was his own accountant and law- 
yer, thus saving much expense and trouble. Having a 
strong, vigorous constitution, he became, by his enter- 
prise and labors, a wealthy man for the times in which he 
lived. He was a leader among men, a man of versatile 
talent, was unwearied in the care of the poor and did 
much for the prosperity of the town of A'^ernon. He led 
an exemplary Christian life. He was unwell for several 
years and this time of feebleness was blessed to his sanc- 
tification and moral elevation of character. His death 
was that of a triumphant Christian. 

He married, Dec. 27, 1768, Johannah, dau. of Jona- 
than and Miriam (Spalding) Smith, of N. Bolton. They 
lived for eight years in So. Bolton, then removed to the 
Wheaton Place, Vernon, thence in 1788 to the old red 
house then near the church. About 1793 he built the 
new house opposite, where the Orphans' County Home 
now stands. His father and mother lived with him a 
number of years and died in his family. 

children: 

A. Hannah b. Dec. 7, 1769, at N. Bolton, d. Feb. 20, 1841 

B. Alexander b. June 12, 1772, " " d. Nov. 11, 1843 

C. Mary b. Nov. 5, 1774, " " d. Oct. 18, 1776 

D. Francis b. Sep. 26, 1777, at S. Bolton, d. Nov. 6, 1861 
E Allen b. June 20, 1781, at N. " d. Mar. 19, 1861 

F. Mary b. Jan. 15, 1785, " " d. Dec. 27, 1805 

G. Rosannah b. Aug. 14, 1789, " " d. Sep. 29, 1808 

38 



JOHANNAH Smith McLean, wife of Alexander, born 
July 19, 1748, was the eldest of five daughters. She was 
a woman of medium height, possessing a strong, resolute 
will, much executive abilit5% and a most wonderful voice 
that could be heard, trumpet-like, for more than a mile. 
She and her husband were well fitted for each other. 
They were harmonious in their views of discipline, edu- 
cation, and the training of their children, and in the dis- 
charge of all religious and public duties. The death of 
her husband in 1806 was blessed to her spiritually. She 
survived him sixteen years, living in the family of her 
son Francis. Her death, which occurred May 29, 1822, 
was calm and peaceful. Her son Allen wrote, "For four- 
teen years she lingered under the power of a wasting con- 
sumption." 



39 



FAMILY OF MRS. HANNAH McLEAN REED 

EAST WINDSOR, CONN. 



A. Hannah, being the oldest of the seven children of 
Alexander and Johannah McLean, had an opportunity to 
exercise many kind, sisterly traits, and her influence was 
felt by every member of the large family. Marrying at 
the age of 23, a well-known physician, her sphere of 
influence widened at her first home at Vernon Center and 
afterward in East Windsor, where her husband had an 
extensive practice. In stature, she was somewhat short 
and stout, with active, energetic habits, an excellent 
housekeeper, a wise and judicious mother, and brought 
up her three sons and four daughters in the fear of the 
Lord. 

Her brother Allen wrote of her the following: 

' 'During her youthful days she possessed a very feeble 
constitution, but her health and strength gradually im- 
proved until she became a person of uncommon energy 
and activity. As a wife and mother she acted well her 
part. She was unwearied in her labors, and her candle 
went not out by night. "The heart of her husband safely 
trusted in her " From childhood, she was apparently 
thoughtful and considerate, but gave no decisive evidence 
of piety until she was more than forty years of age. Her 
last sickness was long and exceeding painful. She was 
peaceful and supported in her last conflict. She com- 
mitted her husband and beloved children to the care of a 
kind and holy Providence." 

Dr. Reed was social, genial and pleasant in conversa- 
tion, with a winning smile and kind word for all his 
friends." 

He received the degree of M. D. from the Medical So- 
ciety of Conn, and practised medicine 56 years. 

40 



"As a mathematician, a Latin scholar and an historian 
he was somewhat distinguished for the times in which he 
lived. As a physician, he was among the most skilful in 
Hartford Co. For some years he was president of the 
Medical Society in that Co. He left a manuscript which 
contains an account of his treatment of Fevers during the 
whole time of his professional practice. His practice in 
fevers was in accordance with the Phlogistic system. He 
was very attentive to the education of his children. His 
death was very sudden and unexpected." 

Two beautiful water-colored miniatures of the doctor 
and his wife, in the quaint costume of that period, are 
now in the possession of a member of the family, and 
will have a wonderful charm and interest to their descend- 
ants for all time. 

Hannah m. Jan. 6, 1792, Elijah Fitch Reed, M. D., 
who was b. May 13, 1767, So. Windsor, d. Sept. 9, 
1847, aged 80 years. 

children: 
I. Julia b. Oct. 8, 1792, d. April 14, 1879 

II. Ebenezer Fitch b. Feb. 4, 1799, d. Nov. 5, 1832 

III. Maro McLean b. Oct. 18. 1801, d. June 28, 1877 

IV. Mary Eliza b. Jan. 15, 1804, d. July 25, 1850 

V. Harriet Smith b. Feb. 12, 1806, d Feb. 13, 1855 

VI. Julius Alexauder b. Jan. 16, 1809, d. Aug. 27, 1890 
VII. Rosanna b. May 14, 1810, d. Aug. 20, 1839 

I. Julia, the oldest child, m. Sept. 5, 1809, Henry Wat- 
son, of E. Windsor Hill. 

children: 
I. Henry b. Sept. 24, 1810, d. Feb. 10, 1891 



2. 


Julia 


. b. July 30, 1812, d. 


1894 


3- 


Theodore ) 


b. Aug. 27, 1814, d. 


1903 


4- 


Cornelius ) 


■ b. " " " d. Sept. 


1814 


5- 


Alfred . 


. b. May 12, 1816. d. 


1903 


6. 


Louis 


b. Oct. 27, 1817, d. 


1894 



41 



7- Ebenezer Bliss b. Nov. 21, 1819, d. Aug. 26, 1877 

8. Cornelius it. b. Jan. 8, 1821, d. 1862 

9. Edmund . b. Jan. 15, 1825, d. 

ID. Sereno . b. Dec. i, 1826, d. Mar. 9, 1892 

11. Reed . . b. Dec. 18, 1828, d. 

12. Donald . b. Apl. 22, 1831, d Nov. 6, 1833 

13. Harriet . b. July 22, 1833, d. 

III. Maro McLean, M. D., third child of Hannah 
McL. and Elijah F. Reed, "graduated from Yale College 
in 1822, at the age of 21, and received the degree of M. D- 
from the Medical College, Castleton, Vt,, in 1826. Prac- 
tised medicine with his father in E. Windsor, later in 
Hartford till 1830, when he removed to Jacksonville, 111. 
Here he practised Allopathy for 25 years with marked 
success. He was then led to embrace Homeopathy, which 
he practised for 27 years. He was an active practitioner 
for 52 years. At the age of 25, through the faithfulness 
of his sister Harriet, he gave himself fully to the Lord. 
The text chosen by his pastor for the funeral discourse. 
Col. 4, xiv., "The beloved physician," was very appro- 
priate." (E. L. R.) 

He m. Sept. 16, 1830, Elizabeth Lathrop. 

CHILDREN : 

1. Harriet . b. June 21, 1831, 

2. Edward . . b. Mar. 6, 1833 d. Aug. 3, 1883 

3. Albert Hale . b. Feb. 12, 1836, 

4. Elijah Fitch . b. Jan. 5, 1838, d. young 

5. Maria Lathrop b. Jan. 27, 1839, 

6. Sarah . . b. Apr. 10, 1841, d. young 

7. Julia . . b. Nov. 20, 1846, 

8. Henry Lathrop b. Feb. 15, 1848, d. Aug. 17, 1849 

9. Mary Eliza b. June 25, 1849, d. July 8, 1900 

Elizabeth Lathrop, his wife, b. Aug. 20, 1807, at Hart- 
ford, Conn, m. at the early age of 23, and with her husband, 
Dr. Maro M. Reed, at once started for their western home 

42 



at Jacksonville, 111., which they reached after six weeks 
of travel. She heroically taught the negro, and her home 
was one of the ".stations" of the Underground Railroad." 
For man)' years she resided with her daughter, Mrs. W. 
T. Reid, at Belmont, Cal., where, in the boys' school, 
she found many opportunities for usefulness. Here she 
lived a lovely Christian life, beloved by all. "The fra- 
grance of her spiritual life was as ceaseless and as natural 
as that of the cedar," says Rev. Mr. McDougal, in "The 
Cricket" for April, 1904, a monthly journal published at 
Belmont School, Cal. 

As the years rolled on one could see that she was re- 
pining for glory, till Feb. 9, 1904, her spirit took its flight, 
to be forever with the Lord. 

1. Harriet, the oldest dau. of Maro M. and Elizabeth 
L. Reed, has been a teacher for many years, and is still 
connected wtth Belmont School, Cal. 

3. Albert Hale, oldest son of Maro M. and Eliza- 
beth L. R.eed, graduated at Yale College and studied for 
the ministry, m. May 13, 1868, Julia Wentworth. Most 
of their married life has been spent at Jacksonville, 111., 
but in recent years they have lived in Newton, Iowa. 

CHILDREN : 

1' Elizabeth b. July 2, 1869, 

2' Julius Alexander b. Aug. 14 187 1, 

3' Jennie b. Sept. 10, 1874, d. Apl. 19, 1879 

4' William Thomas b. Oct. 13, 1877, 

4' William Thomas, fourth child of Albert H. and Ju- 
lia W. Reed, m. Nov. 22 1899, Mabel Edwards. 

children: 

i" Laura W^ent worth, b. Sept. 30, 1900 
2" Jennie Meek b. Oct. 5, 1902 

5. Maria Lathrop, fifth child of Maro M. and Eliza- 

43 



beth L. Reed, m. Oct. 4, 1866, Joseph Wilson Thompson, 
b. Sept. 10, 1840, of Jacksonville, 111. Res., Belmont, Cal- 

children: 

i' Maro Reed b. June 28, 1867 
2' Sara Lathrop b. Sept. 11, 1870 
3' Harriet b. Apr. 5, 1878 

i' Maro Reed, oldest child of Maria h. and J. W. 
Thompson, m. Aug. , 1889, Elenor McClosky Clem- 
ents. 

children: 

i" Catherine McLean b. Nov. 25, 1890 

2" Allen Clements b. Nov. 24, 1892 

3" Paul Bradford b. Nov. 19, 1894 

4" Donald Cossy b. Sept. 26, 1896 

5" Maro Wilson b. Dec. 30, 1898 

2' Sara Lathrop, oldest dau. of Maria L. and J. W. 
Thompson, m. June 30, 1897, Oscar Nettleton Taylor, 
M. D. Res., San Francisco, Cal. 

3' Harriet, third child of Maria L. and J. W. Thomp- 
son. Is a student of music in New York city. 

7. Julia, seventh child of Maro M. and Elizabeth L. 

Reed, m. Aug. 16, 1870, William Thomas Reid, b. Nov. 

8, 1842, for several years a teacher in the High School, 

San Francisco, Cal., four years Pres. of the University of 

Cal., now at the head of a large, prosperous boys' school 

at Belmont, Cal.: 

children: 

i' Julia Frances b. Aug. 10, 1871 

2' William Thomas, Jr. b. Oct. 25, 1878 

i' Julia Frances, graduated at Wellesly College, Mass. 
m. July 21, 1897, Charles Wesley Willard, a lawyer in 
San Francisco, Cal. 

44 



2' William Thomas, Jr., gradviated at Harvard Univer- 
sity, Cambridge, Mass., is now teaching in his father's 
school at Belmont, Cal., m. July 2, 1902, Christine Lin- 
coln at Brookline, Mass. 

i" William Thomas, Children-iii. b. March 17, 1903. 
2" Edith Williams, b. Dec. i, 1904. 

9. Mary Euza, ninth child of Maro M. and Eliza- 
beth M. Reed, m. Dec. 23, 1883, Francis Adelbert Black- 
burn, a professor at Chicago University, at which place 
she died July 8, 1900. 

V. Harriet Smith, fifth child of Hannah M. and 
Elijah F. Reed, m. Sept. 5, 1830, Judge John Hall of 
Ellington, Conn., b. Feb. 26, 1783, d. Oct. 2, 1847. 

children: 

1. Harriet b. Dec. 22, 1833, d. 1842 

2. Charles Crocker b. June 6, 1836, 

3. Alfred R. b. Aug. 26, 1838, d. Oct. 1866 

4. Robert A. b. Sept. 11, 1839, 

2. Charles Crocker, oldest son of Harriet R. and John 
Hall, m. June 6, 1872, Mary C. A. Corbitt. 

children: 



l' 


Tensa C. 


b. 


May 28, 


1873. 


2' 


Frederick F. 


b. 


Aug. 16, 


1876, 





Alfred R. 


b. 


Mar. 28, 


1879, d. May 30, 1898 


4' 


John Edward 


b. 


Dec. 24, 


1882, 


5' 


Mary R. 


b. 


April 25, 


1883, 



Residence, Berkeley, Cal. 

4. Robert A., fourth child of Harriet R. and John Hall, 
m. Nov. 15, 1866, Augusta Pratt. Six children. 

VI. Rev. Julius Alexander, seventh child of Hannah 
M. and Elijah F. Reed, acquired a collegiate and theo- 
logical education, and for many years was a teacher and 

45 



preacher in Iowa, m. Dec. i, 1835, Caroline Blood, who 

died Oct. i, 1890, 

children: 

1. Anna b. Aug. 30, 1836, d. 

2. Rosanna b. Aug. 11, 1839, d. Apl. 25, 1840 

3. Mary b. Feb. 9, 1S43, 

I. Anna, oldest child of Julius A. and Caroline B. 
Reed, graduated at Auburndale Sem., Mass., m. Dec. 6, 
1861. Henry Wilkinson, b. Aug. 20, 1835. d. 

children: 

i' Henry Lawrence b. Aug. 10, 1865 
2' Alfred Hall b. May 29, 1868 

3' Anna Reed b. Jan. 10, 1870 

3' Anna Reed, only dau. of Anna R. and Henry Wil- 
kinson, m. Oct. 9, 1895, Edward Harris Rathbone, Won- 
socket, R. I. 

children: 

i" Rachel Harris b. Sep. 13, 1897 

2" Lawrence Wilkinson b. July 18, 1900 
3" Anna Reed b. Sep. 25, 1902 

3. Mary, third dau. of Julius A. and Caroline B. Reed, 
m. Aug. 17, 1863, Samuel Francis Smith, a lawyer in 
Davenport, Iowa. Res. Newton, Mass, 

child: 
i' Anna Reed, b. Sept. 15, 1870. 

VII. Rosanna, youngest dau. of Hannah M. and Eli- 
jah F. Reed, m. Oct. 17, 1838, Stanley White. 



46 



FAMILY OF DEA. ALEXANDER McLEAN 

MANCHESTER, COKN. 



B. Dea. Alexander, the eldest son of Alexander and 
Johannah Smith McLean, was b. in N. Bolton, attended 
school in S. Bolton and Windsor. With the exception of one 
winter when he taught school, aided his father upon 
the farm until his marriage in 1793, at the age of 21. He 
conducted a farm in Vernon for a number of years. After- 
ward, he and his brother. Col. Francis McLean, built and 
carried on the cotton mills at the village now called Tal- 
cottville. Here Alexander lived till the death of his wife 
in 1814, when he removed to a farm in Manchester where 
he spent the remainder of his life. He was an energetic, 
business man, given to hospitality, and winning a host of 
friends by his kind, pleasant manners. For many years 
he was an active, influential deacon in the Cong. Ch.' 
Manchester. His house has long since disappeared , but 
the hill upon which it stood is still called "McLean Hill." 
m. (i.) Apr. 25, 1793, Betsey Thrall, who d. Aug. 9. 
1814, aged 42 years, the mother of four sons and three 
daughters. 

children: 

b. Oct. 
b. Sept. 
b. July 
b. June 
b. Dec. 
b. Oct. 
b. May 

I. Alexander, oldest son of Dea. Alexander and Betsey 
T. McLean, m. March 19, 1817, Mary Meekins, who d. 
June 28, 1828. 

47 



I. Alexander 

II. John 

III. Betsey 

IV. Clarissa 
V. Allen 

VI. Mary 
VII. Charles 



24. 


1794, 


d. 


July 


24, 


1828 


6, 


1796, 


d. 


Mar. 


14, 


1877 


5, 


1798, 


d. 


June 


I, 


1834 


19. 


1800, 


d. 


Dec. 


9> 


1897 


24- 


1802. 


d. 


Mx.war, 


1847 


6, 


1806, 


d. 


Sept. 


12, 


1895 


30, 


1811, 


d. 


Dec. 


20, 


,1881 



children: 

1. Alexander b. Oct. ii, 1818, d. Aug. 29, 1877 

2. Henry b. Nov. i, 1819, d. Apr. 5, 1826 

3. Edwin b. July 3, 1821, d. Feb. 25, 1875 

4. Frederick Hudson b. May 6, 1823, d. Oct. 19, 183 1 

5. Geer Allen b. Feb. 13, 1825, d. Feb. 13, 1825 
6 Henry b. Dec. 18, 1826, d. Mar. 29, 1831 

I. Alexander, oldest son of Alexander and Mary 
Meekins McL,ean, m. 1847, Nancy 

children: 

i' Alexander b. 1849, d. July 1876 

2' Edwin b, 1 85 1 

3' Calvin b. 1855 

4' Minnie b. 1857 

5' Julia b. 1 86 1 

3. Edwin, third son of Alexander and Mary M. Mc- 
Lean, a successful merchant in Rockville, Conn., after- 
ward in Great Harrington, Mass., m. (i) April, 1847, 
Nancy Griswold of Surbridge, Mass., who d. in 1849. 
m. (2). Nov. II, 1849, Julia H. Ladd of Tolland, Conn. 

children: 
i' George Edwin b. Aug. 31, 1850 
2' Minnie Rose b. Nov. 11, 1856 

3' William Bradley b. Oct. 25, 1862 

i' Rev. George Edwin, eldest son of Edwin and Ju- 
lia L- McLean, graduated at Williams College, Mass., and 
studied Divinity. In 1893 he was Prof, in State Univer- 
sity Minneapolis, Minn., now Pres. State University, Iowa 
City, Iowa, m. May 20, 1874, Clara Stanley Taylor, b- 
Sept. 25, 1849. 

2' Minnie Rose, second child of Edwin and Julia L. 

McLean, m. Oct. 21, 1885, Nelson P. Lewis, a consulting 

engineer of Greater New York. Res. 1511 Albemarle 

Road, Brooklyn. N. Y. 

48 



children: 

i" Margaret McLean, b. Aug. 9, 1888 
2" Harold Arthur b. Aug. 8, 1889 

3' William Bradley, second son of Edwin and Ju- 
lia L. McLean, is a commission merchant of Minne- 
apolis, Minn., m. Sept. 14, 1889, Addie M. Lockwood. 

child: 

i" Edwin Lockwood, b. Aug. 9, 1890 

II. John, second son of Dea. Alexander and Betsey 

Thrall McLean, m. (i) July 19, 182 1, Sarah Bunce, who 

d. Dec. 6, 1834- 

children: 

1. Caroline b. Oct. 30, I823, d. Dec. 3, 1867 

2. Rosanna b. Sep. 30, 1825, d. June 9, 1876 

3. Sarah b. Apr. 18, 1827 

4. John Dwight b. Feb. 4, 1829 

5. Charlotte b. Oct. 5, 1831, d. Dec. 5, 1851 

6. Maro b. Aug. 5, 1834, d. Nov. 30, 1854 

II. John m. (2) in 1840, Rhoda Woodford. 

child: 
7. Almena b. Sept. 15, 1841, d. Oct, 25, 1871. 

2. Rosanna, second dau. of John and Sarah B. Mc- 
Lean, m. June 30, 1856, George Talcott of Rockville. 

child: 
i" George Frederick, b. Feb. 23, 1858, m. (i) Carrie 
Bissell, who d. Dec. 10. 1900, m. (2) June, 1901, Maud 
Burnett, who d. Dec. 28, 1903. 

3. Sarah, third dau. of John and Sarah B. McLean, 
m. Aug. 3, 1845, Albert Y. Hill, who d. Sept. 27, 1868. 

CHILDREN: 

i' Zopher Y. b. July 18, 1846 

2' Lottie M. b. Apr. 3, 1854, d. June 18, 1871 

49 



7- Almena, dau. of John and Rhoda W. McLean, m. 
Edward Gilman. Son — 

Almeron, b. Oct. 21, 1871 

III. Betsey, third child of Dea. Alexander and Betsey 
T. McLean, m. Apr. i, 1^33, Rev. Nelson Bishop, who 
d March 14, 1877, at Canton, Conn. 

IV. Clarissa, fourth child of Dea Alexander and 
Betsey T. McLean, m. Oct. 15, 1823, Dea. Simeon A. 
Spencer who d. Dec. 5, 1864, at Manchester, Conn. 

CHILDREN : 

1. John O. b. Aug. 29, 1824, d. June 25, 1890 

2. Abigail T. b. July 7, 1826, d. Oct. 15, 1870 

3. Simeon Dwight b. Jan. 5, 1829, 

4. Charles S. b. Oct. 25, 1830, d. Feb. 20, 1869 

5. George McLean b. Sept. 19, 1836, d. July 11, 1901 

I. John O., oldest son of Clarissa M. and Simeon A. 
Spencer, m. (i) May 18, 1848, Mary A. Winchester who 
d. Sept. 26, 1856. Children, i' Clinton A. b. Sept. 25, 1851 ; 
2' Hattie S. b. Sept. 10, 1853 

I John O. m. (2) Feb., 1857, Charlotte G. Darrow. 
Child, 3' Mary G. b. Feb. 23, 1861. 

i' Clinton A., son of John O. and Mary W. Spencer, 
m. Dec. 28, 1875, Rosa Try on, Manchester, Conn. Chil- 
i" Harry, b. Sept. 17, 1878; 2" Ethel, b. Dec. 24. 1881, 
at Wilmington, Del. 

2' Hattie S., dau. of John O. and Mary W. Spence r 
m. Sept. 5, 1876, Frederick H. Badet. Son, 1" Harry 
Badet, b. July 15, 1877, at So. Bend, Ind. 

3' Mary G., dau. John O. and Charlotte D. Spencer, 
m. June 13, 1883, A. M. Stacy. Son, 1" Leroy, G., b. 
Dec. 7, 1884. Res., New London, Conn. 

2. Abigail T., dau. of Clarissa and Simeon A. Spen- 

50 



cer, m. Sept. 20, 1853, George S. Parkhurst, Manchester, 
Conn. 

3. Simeon D wight, second son of Clarissa M. and 
Simeon A. Spencer, m. (1) May , 1853, Mary F. 
White, who d. March 0, 1870. Children: 1' Nellie, b. 
March 12, 1859, 2' Frank, b. Sept 1864. 

1' Nellie, dau. of Simeon Dwight and Mary W. Spen- 
cer, m. Jan. 20, 1881, William Hamlin Childs. Children, 
1" Richard Spencer, b. May 28, 1882; 2" Mary White, 
b. Mar. 7, 1886 

2' Frank, only son of Simeon Dwight and Mary W. 
Spencer, m. April 26, 1892, May Antoinette Parker, 
Res. Manchester, Conn. Children: 1" Dwight Parker, b. 
July 28, 1895; 2" William White, b. Jan. 31, 1900. 

3. Simeon Dwight m. (2) May 7, 1885, Lucy G. Ford. 
Res., Manchester, Conn. 

5. Rev. George McL,ean, fourth son of Clarissa M. and 
Simeon A. Spencer, graduated at Dartmouth College, was 
in the civil war as a private. Afterward studied law and 
practised in Hartford, Conn., for some years. After 
studying theology he was settled over a church in Iowa, 
afterward removed to San Francisco, Cal., where he died, 
M. (1) May 21, 1868, Abby A. Rose, who d. May 3, 1873, 
Child, 1' Ruth Hale, b. May 3, 1873, died the following 

day. .M (2) Jan. 11, 1876, Lizzie Kimberly, who d. June 

2s, 1881. 

V. Allen, fifth child of Dea. Alexander and Betsey 

T. McLean, m. Dec. 25, 1826, EHza Woodbridge. Son, 

Christopher, b. Oct. 17, 1828, m. (1) Feb. 10, 1849, Ellen 

McClelland, who d. July 20, 1849. No children. M. (2) 

Dec. 3, 1850, Susan M. Le Turc, who d. Oct. 5, 1865. 

children: 

1' Kate Bissell b. Aug. 31, 1851, 

2' Sue Temple b. April 19, 1853, d. Apr. 10, 1858 

3' Christopher b. April 29, 1856, d. Oct. 28, 1869 

51 



4' Maria E. b. May 21, 18G0, 

5' Walker Anson b. May 1(5, 1803, d. Sept. 11, 1S03 

1. Christopher, m, (3) Jan. 14, 18o9, Ann R. C- Davis, 

Newbern, N. C. 

children: 

6' John Davis b. Dec. 16, 18G0, d. Sept. 2<>, 1870 

T Wannie Davis b. Mar. 22, 1871, d. Jan. 24, 1872 

8' Donald b. Mar. 13, 1872, d. same day 

1' Kate Bissell oldest child of Christopher and Susan 
T. McLean, m. June 17, 187 4, Fred Case. 

VI. Mary, sixth child of Dea. Alexander and Betsey 
T. McLean, m. April 5, 183S, Geo. D. Morgan. 

children: 

1. Elizabeth R. b. Aug. 17, 1839, d. Aug. 0, 1816 

2. Benjamin Dulop b. Aug. 21, 1840, d. Oct. 23, 1877 

3. Georgiana b. Mar. 2G, 1844, d. Jan. 28, 18.58 

VII. Charles, seventh child of Dea. Alexander and 
Betsey T. McLean, m. May 8, 1839, Octa S. Strong, who 
d. May 28, 1887. Res. Manchester, Conn. 

children: 

1. Willard Tyler b. Mar. 4, 1841, d. Oct. 5, 1870 

2. Jerusha Day b. April 9, 1845, 

3. Octa Ella b. July 28, 1847, d. May 1902 

4. Charles Noble b. May 24, 1850, 

5. Emma Rose b. July 15, 1853, d. Nov. 22, 1871 

6. Clara Frances b. Aug. 20, 1856, 

7. George Lincoln b. Aug. 9, 1861, 

2. Jerusha Day, second child of Charles and Octa S. 
McLean, m. George S. Parkhurst, Oct. 20, 1872. Daugh- 
ter, 1' Abby b. May 12, 1874. Res. Simsbury, Conn. 

3. Octa Ella, third child of vii Charles and Octa S. 
McLean, m. June 24, 1877, George Talcott, Rockville, 
Conn. Son, Phineas McLean, b. Dec. 24, 1880. 

52 



4. Charles Noble, fourlh child of vir. Charles and Octa 

S. McLean, m. Oct. 7, 1874, Adelaide S. Case. Res. Rock- 

ville, Conn. 

children: 

1' Emma Jane b. July 2G, 187r>^ 

2' Frederick Richard b. Feb. 4, 1879, d. Oct. 2, lOol 

?>' Clara Belle b. Aug. 2(i, 1881, 

4' Charles Ralph b. Nov. 8, 1883, 

6' Minnie b. Aug. 10, 1889, 

1' Emma Jane, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, 
Mass. 

7, George Lincoln, seventh child of Charles and Octa 
S. McLean, m.June 10, 1887, Mary E. Bailey. Res. Rock- 
ville, Conn. Children, 1' Ruth Bailey, b. June 1, 1888; 
2' Margaret Strong, b. Nov. 24, 1892. 
Vv VIII. William, only son of Dea. Alexander and Bet- 
sey S. McLean, m. (1) Oct. 20, 1838, Mary T. Palmer, 
Vernon, who d. May, 1901. 

children: 

1. Mary Eliza b. Dec. 29, 1839, 

2. William Sheldon b. June 17, 1843, 

3. Alfred P. b. Nov. 18, 184J, 

4. Clarence T. b. Mar. 18, 184^^, 

5. Arthur Eliot b. Aug. 10, 1849, 

1. Mary Eliza, oldest daughter of William and Mary 
P. McLean, m. Nov. 0, 1«64, Theodore H. Eldridge, Nor- 
wich, Conn. 

CHILDREN: 

1' Minnie b. July 5, 1865, d. Nov. 8, 1873 

2' Bertha Maria b. Apr. 22, 187(i, d. Sept. 18, 187!) 

3' Grace Edith b. July 12, 1872, 

4' Alfred Earl b. July 4. 1877, d. Aug. 8, 1879 

3' Grace Edith, m. Nov. 26, 1903, Robert Harvey 
Montgomery, Norwich, Conn. 

53 



2. William Sheldon, oldest son of William and Mary 
P. McLean, (a farmer in Bolton, Conn.) m. April 29, 
1869, Martha E. Risley. 

CHILDREN: 

r Clarence Sylvester b. June 8, 1870, 

2' William Allen b. May 1, 1875, 

3' Mary Elvira b. Nov. 4, 1877, d. Dec. 22, 1877 

4' Ellena b. Jan. H, 1880, 

5' Anna E. b, Sept. 7, 1883, 

i' Clarence Sylvester, oldest son of William S. 
and Martha R. McEean, graduated at a Business College 
in Hartford, and taught for ten years. Is now connected 
with a publishing house in Syracuse, N. Y. M. April i6, 
1901, Zue Hunter Brockett, of Washington, D. C. Chil- 
dren — i" Carolyn, b. Jan. 6, 1902, d. May 30, 1903; 2" 
Ruth, b. May 29. 1903. 

2' William Allen, second son of William S. and 
Martha R. McEean, studied at a Business College in 
Hartford, is now in business in New Haven. M. Oct. 
12, 1904, Sarah Isabell Bassett, of New Haven. 

4' Ellena, fourth child of William S. and Martha 
R. McEean, graduated at Rockville High School, is now 
a student at Mt. Holyoke College, Mass. 

5' Anna E- fifth child of William S. and Martha R. 
McEean, graduated at Rockville High School in 1902, 

3. Alfred P., second son of William and Mary P. Mc- 
Eean, is a farmer in Plainville, Conn. Unmarried. 

4. Clarence T., third son of William and Mary P. 
McEean, m. Jan., '76, Addie Kidder, who died in 1901. 
Norwich, Conn. 

5. Arthur E., fourth son of William and Mary P. 
McEean, has been landlord of "The Hillhurst," Norfolk, 
Conn., for 18 years, during the summer; Plainville, Conn, 
in winter. M. May 30, 1883, Florence Sophia Eewis. 

54 



VIII. William, divorced from his first wife; m. (2) 
Oct. 21, 1856, Helen Christian, at Rockton, 111. 

children: 

1. Minnie b. June 16, 1858, 

2. Helen b. Jane 13, i860, d. Sept. i, 1861 
Hattie b. Dec. 26, 1861, d. Jan. 18, 1874 
Frank b. Aug. 21, 1863, 
Charles b. May 2, 1865, 



Edwin Christian b. Jan. 23, 1867, 



Ida 

8. Rosanna 

9. Ernest 

10. Kate Ellen 



I, 1869 



d. June 24, 1869, d. vSept. 
b. Oct. 26, 1871, 
b. July 4, 1874, 
b. Dec. 31, 1876, 

6. Edwin Christian, sixth child of William and Helen 

C. McLean, m. two sons — i' Frank Bernard; 2' Paul 

Williams. 

;}: H= ^ >K • * 



55 



FAMILY OF COL. FRANCIS McLEAN 

VERNON, CONN. 

■'^ Col. Francis, the second son of Capt. Alexander and 
Johannah Smith McLean, was born in So. Bolton. His 
childhood's home was at the Wheaton Place, Vernon. 
He attended school in Windsor and Vernon He always 
remembered with interest Abner Reed, with whom he 
studied mathematics and surveying — his favorate studies. 
In 1789 the family moved to the old red house at Vernon 
Center, and soon after the family homestead was built 
opposite, where the County Orphans' Home now stands, 
A fine row of maple trees was set out in front of the house 
— the ornament of the village. In the winter of 1794, 
when 17 years of age, Col. McLean taught school in 
Manchester. He hoped to continue teaching, but his 
father needing him on the farm, he taught no more. He 
early became interested in manufactures. About 1805, 
he built a grist-mill, saw -mill and dam in the west- 
ern part of town, afterward removed the grist-mill to 
Phoenix village, building a dam and saw-mill. He, with 
his brother Alexander and Col. Tinker, built the mills for 
manufacturing cotton where the flourishing village of 
Talcottville now stands, and erected the brick-houses near 
the bridge. Col. McLean first noticed the wonderful 
power of Snipsic Lake (Indian name, Shenipsit) a few 
miles from Rockville, and its grand fall of 250 ft., as an 
ideal power for a fine manufacturing village. The fol- 
lowing is from the pen of Rev. Stanley Kellogg in the 
"History of Tolland County." 

"In the spring of 1S21 Col. McLean, having sufficiently 
matured his plans, purchased lands of the Grant heirs, 
also bought o( the heirs of Dea. Hall, Brockway and 
Wells, and built the first factory — the old Rock for mak- 

56 



ing satinet. He formed a partnership with George and 
Allyn Kellogg and Ralph Talcott, with a nominal capital 
of $16,000. A strong dam was first thrown across the 
stream where it now stands (and where it is likely to 
stand until some extraordinary convulsion takes place) as 
an enduring monument of strength. This is the present 
Rock dam. The canal was dug, the wheel-pit located 
and the power determined by a simple but accurate pro- 
cess. Spirit-levels and intricate mathematical instru- 
ments were not then on hand, but a ready ingenuity sup- 
plied their place. Col. McLean improvised a level by 
taking a piece of scantling, six or eight feet long, with a 
straight edge which was grooved to hold water. With 
this level he made the surveys and located the wheel. 
These surveys have proved accurate. In the mean time 
timber was cut from the adjacent hillsides and a building 
promptly erected, 80 ft. long by 30 ft. wide, three stories 
high — an enormous building in those days. McLean's 
woolen factory was a nine days' wonder. Three sets of 
woolen machinery were put in and began making blue 
and blue-mixed satinets. Power-looms were introduced 
in '22 and '23, but crude and imperfect. At the May 
session of the Legislature, in 1828, a charter was obtained 
and the firm organized under the name of 'The Rock 
Manufacturing Co.,' Capital, $25,000. In 1832 the 
capital was increased to $45,000. The old mill was used 
till 1851 when it gave way to the new. The original in- 
corporators were Col. Francis McLean, George Kellogg, 
Ralph Talcott and Aaron Kellogg. The first meeting was 
held Dec. 31, 182B, when the following gentlemen were 
named as officers: Pres., Francis McLean, salary, $400; 
Sec'y, Geo. Kellogg, salary, $410, with house and garden, 
$60. Col. McLean, having closed his connection with the 
Rock, with Alonzo Bailey, organized a company and 
built the Frank Co. mills in 1831. The frame- work was 

57 



the original frame of the Vernon meeting-house. The 
Frank was erected and started with six sets of cassimere 
machines in 1847. This building, architecturally the 
finest in the village, was consumed by fire Sept. 1851. 
The Florence was erected in 1864 in the same place. In 
1833 Col. Mclycan built the paper-mill and owned more 
than half of it This ends the long list of important 
enterprises originated and carried out by this energetic 
man with most wonderful success." Col. Wm. A. Gro- 
ver, M. D., of Berkeley, Cal., wrote in 1892, "The Rock 
Factory was built of chestnut timber, hewed and framed 
in Tolland by Mr. Grover, the builder, and carried to 
what is now known as Rockville, and put together. It 
was an exceeding plain building, without any ornamen- 
tation whatever, and painted red. It was an exceedingly 
lonely place as there was not another building in the 
vicinity. For the sake of the water-power it was built in 
a deep ravine, and the picture of the rapid stream with 
its falls, as it poured over the precipitous rocks, — the deep 
gorge surrounded on all sides by sunny hills, with the 
red mill standing in the center, — has never been eraced 
from my memory. It was the commencement of Rock- 
ville and Col. McLean was looked upong as the enterprising 
pioneer of that now beautiful city." The Col. built four 
tenement houses near the Rock, six near the Frank and 
two near the Paper Mill. He surveyed and laid out va- 
rious roads about the Factories and Vernon. In 1826 he 
was the prime mover in the erection of Vernon Church 
and Academy. 

At the age of 18 he entered the State militia as private 
and was rapidly promoted to the different offices. For 
eight years he was Captain of the First Division of the 
First Brigade of 19th Regiment of Light Infantry. In Oc- 
tober, 1812 he was appointed Major of the same Brigade 
and served two years. In 1813, the second year of his 

58 



being Major, his younger brother, Rev. Allen McLean, 
of Simsbury was Chaplain of the same Brigade. In 181 G 
the Col. was appointed Lieut-Col. Commandant of the 
same Regiment and served one year. In 1816 he repre- 
sented his district in the State Legislature. 

He was a leader of men, identified himself with every 
project for the good of Vernon and Rockville and prob- 
abl}' accomplished more good than any other man of his 
day and generation. 

Hem. (1) Feb. !0, 1800, Roxey, dau. of James Mc- 
Kinney of Ellington, b. June 10, 1780, d. March 80, 1811. 
"Her natural disposition was easy, kind and affectionate. 
She was an excellent wife, an affectionate mother and a 
very consistent Christian." On the death of Capt. Alex- 
ander McLean in 1806, her mother McLean entered the 
famil)% increasing her cares. 

children: 

I. Otis b. Feb. 27, 1801, d. Dec. 31. 1836 

II. Lora b. Oct. 19, 1802, d. Jan. 7, 1835 

III. Francis b. Aug. 1, 1804, d. Dec. 26, 1862 

' IV. Mary b. Aug. 27, 1806, d. July 19, 1831 

V. John b. Apr. 4, 1808, d. May 17 1828 

VI. Rosanna b. May 27, 1810, d. June 29, 1835 

1. Otis, a bright, intelligent, ambitious man, was acci- 
dentally killed. M. Dec. 1822, Clarissa Munsell, who 
d. in 1889 at St. Louis, Mo. Children — 1. Clarissa, b. 
1823, d. 1861, at St. Louis, Mo.; 2. Roxanna, b. 1826, 
d. 1852 at St. Louis, Mo. 

1. Clarissa, the oldest child of Otis and Clara Mc- 
Lean, was educated by her grandfather McLean, at the 
Wesley an Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. In 1841, m. 
James Hamilton Fyler, a college-bred man, the son of 
Rev. Dr. Fyler of Mississippi, b. in 1822 and d. in 1859. 
Children — V Louise, b. 1842, d. at St. Louis, Mo. Jan. 

59 



1869; 2' Mary b. 1846, d. at St. Louis, Mo. 1873; 3' James 
Otis Dudley, b. Mar. 22, 1850. 

1' IvOuise was a fine-looking, intelligent woman with a 
large family, and the care of her aged grandmother in 
1865. Their plantation was on the banks of the Depere 
river, seven miles south of St. Louis. She m. 1857, Chas. 
D. Lake. Child— 1" Mary, b. 1S58, m. 1885, Ennis 
Hopkins, child b. 1886. 

2' Mary, the second daughter of Clarissa M. and James 
H. Fyler, was a most beautiful woman. M. Sept. 1865, 
John Kredel of St. Louis, Mo., who d. Dec. 23, 1903. 
Children— 1" Otis Hamilton, b. 1866; 2" Katie Gertrude, 
1868, d. Aug. 1882; 3" Clara Louise, b. 1870. 

3' James Otis Dudley, the third child of Clarissa M. and 
James H. Fyler, is an energetic, business man in St. 
Louis, m. 1868, Ellen Frances Wilburn. Children — 1" 
Lillian May, b. May. 1869; 2" Cora Elizabeth b. 1871, d. 
3" George Hamilton, b. 1873. 

1" Lillian May, Dau. of James Otis D. and Ellen F. 
Fyler, m. Aug. 21, 1897, T. Hill. St. Louis, Mo. 

3" George H. son of J. O. D. and E. F. Fyler, m. 
Nov. 20, 190 1, Sophie H. Kempff. Res. St Louis, Mo. 

2. Roxanna, second daughter of Otis and Clara Mc- 
Lean, m. 1855, Ebenezer Bosworth, St. Louis. Child — 
Charles, b. 1861, d. Feb. 1887, m. twice. No children. 

II. LORA was a delicate woman, of fine, fastidious 
tastes, yet withal very efficient. She was educated at 
Hartford Fem. Sem., then under the management of 
Catherine and Harriet Beecher. M. Nov. 19, 1863, Judge 
Phineas Talcott who d. June 6, 1883. At the time of the 
marriage he was Stewart of the Retreat, Hartford, where 
his wife became Matron. She was much beloved by the 
inmates, who called her good Mother Talcott. Children — 
I. Frederick, b. Dec. 27, 1824, d. Sept. 22, 1849; 2. 
George, b. Jan. 20, 1827. 

60 



2. George, the second son of Lora and Phineas Tal- 
cott, is President of the First National Bank, Rockville, 
Conn. M. (i) June 30. 1856, Rosanna, dau. of John and 
Sarah Bunce McLean of Manchester, Conn, who d. June 
S, 1876- Son — i" George Frederick, b. Feb. 23, 185S, ra. 
(i) Carrie Bi.ssell, who d. Dec. 10, 1900; m; (2) June, 1901, 
Maud Burnett, who d. Dec. 28, 1903. 

2. George m. (2) June 24, 1877, Octa Ella, dau. of 
Charles and Octa Strong McLean of Manchester. Son — 
2" Phineas McLean, b. Dec. 24, 1880. 

III. Major Francis, the third child of Col. Francis 
aud Roxey McLean, was a small, delicate child and when 
about 10 years old experienced a serious accident. Playing 
one day in a trough, used for watering stock, he fell in, 
could not extricate himself, and was nearly drowned. It 
was with difficulty that he was restored to consciousness. 
Through the unwearied care of loving parents he re- 
covered, and, though a small-sized man, enjoyed a com- 
fortable measure of health through life. He purchased 
the old Homestead in Vernon in 1848 and beautified it. 
He joined the Conn. State Militia and rose to the rank 
of Major. He was a pleasant, kind man, frugal in ex- 
penditures and exact in all business transactions. He 
d. at the age of 57. 

III. Major Francis m. (i) June 25, 1834, Louisa L. Chap- 
man of Tolland, b. July 7, 1813, d. Nov. 9, 1847. She 
was a sweet, lovely Christian woman, winning the hearts 
of all about her— a model mother and housekeeper, and 
always ready for every good word and work in the home, 
church and community. Her memory is blessed. 

children: 



I. 


Francis Eugene 


b. 


May 


19. 


1835, 


d. 


Apr. 


5- 


1885 


2. 


Lora Cordelia 


b. 


Sept. 


21, 


1836. 


d. 


Mar. 


16, 


1840 


3- 


Emma Louisa 


b. 


Sep. 


30, 


1839- 


d. 


July 


28, 


1868 


4- 


Ellen Sophronia 


b. 


Mar. 


II, 


1842, 


d. 


Apr. 


19. 


1882 



61 



1. Francis Eugene, the oldest son of Major Francis 
and Louisa McLean, was a bright, intelligent boy, edu- 
cated in the schools of Vernon, and worked upon the 
farm for bis father. Upon his marriage in 187 1, nine 
j-ears after the death of his father, he sold the Old Home- 
stead and went to Cherokee, Iowa, where he bought 
property. Later, removed to Springfield, Mass. He m. 
Jan. 20, 1 87 1, at Talcottville, Conn,, Emma Buckland of 
Somers, b. 1853. No children. 

3. Emma Louisa, the third child of Major Francis 
and Louisa McLean, was a noble girl of fine character, 
a devoted Christian and an excellent teacher. Taught 
for several years in the schools of Rock vi lie. 

4. Ellen S., the fourth child of Francis and Louisa 
McLean, possessed a quiet, studious temjjerament. She 
v/as an exceedingly industrious, warm-hearted Christian 
girl and woman. 

in. Major Francis m. (2) Jan. 18, 1849, L. Maria 
Slater of Manchester, Conn, b. Feb, 181 1, d. Nov. 17, 
1895. She was a most excellent Christian woman, a kind 
neighbor — conscientious and faithful in all her duties. 
The death of her husband in 1862 left her the sole guar- 
dian of her son George, then eleven years old. Upon the 
marriage of her son in 1878 she took up her abode in his 
family, where she lived 17 years, attaining the good old 
age of 84. 

5. George Clifford, the only son of Major Francis 
and Maria S. McLean, b. Aug, 30, 1851, was a fine-looking, 
bright boy of active temperament. At the early age of 
eleven he was bereft of a father's care and left with an 
indulgent mother. He has matured into a warm-hearted, 
enterprising business man in Hartford, Conn. M. June 
21, 1878, Mary Emmeline, dau, of William S. and Jane 
Smith of Hartford, who is well-fitted to be a helpmeet for 
her husband, "looking well to the ways of her household 

62 



and eating- not the bread of idleness." Child — i' Frances 
Ma}', b. March 4, 1891. 

IV. Mary was taller than her sisters, of a more serious 
turn of mind, and much more grave in her demeanor. 
Her mother found her a strong arm to lean upon in 
household cares and worries. She m. May 27, 1828, Da- 
vid Talcott Smith, who d. July 25, 1855. She died at 
the age of 25. 

children: 

1. Francis, b. Mar. 17, 1829 

2. George, b. Mar. 1831, d. 1847, Vernon. 

I. Francis, the oldest son of Mary and David T. Smith, 
m. (i) Jane L. Wickham. b. Jan. 1S28, d. Oct. 28, 1878. 
M. (2) Nellie Plympton, b. d. 

M. (3) Susan Scott, b. d. Nov. 1892 

He has been an active business man all his life; is now 
living in Hartford, Conn., retired from business. 

Vi- ROvSANNA, was a pretty dark-eyed woman, of an 
affectionate disposition, much energy of character, and 
an exemplary Christian. She graduated at Miss Cath- 
erine Beecher's Sem. Hartford. She m, Oct. 9, 1832, 
Gardiner Childs, b. Aug. 19, 1801, d. Feb. 27, 1841, Troy» 
N. Y. Her short married life of three years was spent in 
Granby, Lower Canada, where her husband was a mer- 
chant. 

CHILDREN: 

1. Rosanna, b. Aug. 2, 1833, d. July 2, 1854 

2. Sarah Berry, b. May 30, 1835, d. Feb. i860 

r. Rosanna, possessed a fine intellect and winning 
manners. After the death of her mother she lived at her 
grandfather McLean's, and with her cousin, Mrs. Dick- 
inson, in Willington. Graduated at Ipswich Fem. Sem. 
Mass. Taught in New York, afterward was Principal of a 
Fem. Sem. at Hagerstown, Md., where she died the tri- 
umphant death of a Christian at the age of 21. 

63 



2. Sarah Berry was a beautiful girl of sunny temper 
and vivacious manners. She studied the piano and 
taught music at Hagerstown Sem., Md.; Ipswich Sem., 
Mass., and I^ogansport. Ind., where she m. Oct. 9, 1858, 
William NefF. No children. 

D. Col. Francis McLean, m. (2) Jan. 15, 1816, Sarah 
Berry, dau. of Jonathan and Rebecca Hinckley Childs, 
of Barre, Mass., b. Oct. 5, 1789; d. April 10, 1835. 

Mrs Sarah B. McLean was married from the home 
of her uncle, Dr. Scotaway Hinckley in Vernon. "She 
was a warm-hearted Christian and one of the most com- 
panionable, social persons in all my acquaintance. It 
shall be told as a memorial of her that she took the best 
care of her aged mother Mclyean." 

children: 

VII. Edward b. Feb. 24, 1818, d. June 30, 1886 

VIII. Roxey b. Feb. 10, 1820, d. Mar. 7, 1904 

IX. Sarah b. Nov. 8, 1822, d. Mar. 9, 1870 

X. Harriet b. June 10, 1825, d. Sept. 25, 1874 

XI. Maria b. Feb. 7, 1828, d. Nov .22, 1854 

XII. Mary b. Jan, 27, 1831, 

XIII. John b. Nov. 8. 1833. 

VII. Edward, the oldest son of Col. Francis and Sarah 
Childs McLean, was a quiet, studious, affectionate boy — 
a comfort to his mother, a kind brother and counselor to 
the younger members of the family. He was educated 
at Vernon Academy, Wilbraham Academy, Mass., pre- 
paring for college at Bacon Academy, Colchester. He 
graduated at Yale College in 1843. He early united with 
the Cong'l Ch. and continued in its fold through life. 
While studying divinity, ill health obliged him to pause. 
He afterward became one of the partners in a book-store 
in Philadelphia, Pa., the firm being Grattan & Mc- 
Lean. After a few years he was obliged by ill health to 

64 



take a sea voyage, and went to California, crossing the 
Isthmus, horseback and by foot, in 1854. The following 
is from the pen of Pres. Martin Kellogg of the University 
of Cal.: "He settled in San Francisco where he en- 
gaged in the insurance business. He brought the Hart- 
ford Insurance Co. to this coast, in 1869, as its general 
manager here, which, under his direction, became one of 
the most extensive companies in its operations on the 
coast. 

He afterward engaged in the real estate business in 
Oakland for twelve years, when ill health obliged him to 
go to Southern California. He organized the Santa Ger- 
trudes Co. which owned the lands where now are the 
towns of Downey, Norwalk and Fulton Wells, and he 
was its general manager till all its lands were sold. It 
was while this Co. was boring for artesian water that the 
sulphur springs were found which have since become 
famous as Fulton Wells. He aso originated the Mutual 
Orchard Association, which owned lands about Olive- 
wood, Passadena. 

He was one of a commission of three men. Rev. Hor- 
ace Bushnell, D. D. being another, to chose the site of 
the College of Cal. at Berkeley, now the University of 
Cal. He was a Regent of the College. 

He was senior member of the firm McLean, Rust & 

Wilson, in the real estate business in Los Angeles, and 

lived there seventeen years. He believed in the future of 

the southern country and was enthusiastic in its praise. 

He was a cordial, open-hearted man, free from osten- 
tation, quiet, but intensely interested in all public enter- 
prises." He was a wise father and exemplary Christian. 
He m. Dec. 31, 1857, Sarah E. dau. of Socrates Chester 
of Ellington, who was b. April 3, 1833. 

children: 

1. Agnes Maria b. Dec. 21, 1858, 

2. Edward Chester b. Mar. 21, 1862, d. Dec. 25, 1885 

65 



3- Fannie Williams b. May 29, 1863, 
4. Francis Herbert b. Nov. 12, 1868, 

1. Agnes Maria, the oldest daughter of Edward and 
Sarah Chester McLean, graduated at the High School, 
Oakland, also at the "School of Expression," Boston, 
Mass. She has followed the profession of teaching for 
several years. Is now teacher of Elocution and Gym- 
nastics in the State Normal School, Baltimore, Md. She 
established and conducted a prosperous mission Sunday 
school there for a number of years. 

2. Edward C. the oldest son of Edward and Sarah 
Chester McLean, was a quiet boy, remarkably fond of 
reading and study. . He aided his father upon the farm in 
Passadena. 

3. Fannie W., the second daughter of Edward and 
Sarah Chester McLean, was a delicate child and for 
many years a source of much anxiety to her parents. She 
graduated at the Oakland High School, also the Univer- 
sity of Cal. Berkeley, in 1885. Was teacher in the Berke- 
ley High School several yeaftrs, then was engaged in the 
Settlement work at Rivington street, New York, and at 
Phil., Pa. Is now first assistant in English in the High 
School, Berkeley. 

4. Francis H., the youngest son of Edward and Sa- 
rah Chester McLean, graduated at the Los Angeles 
High School, also the University of Cal. in 1892. After- 
ward took post-graduate work at Johns Hopkins Insti- 
tute, Baltimore, Md. and Columbia University, N. Y. 
Was engaged in the journalistic business, then became 
Secretary of Associated Charities in New York, for a 
time, afterward held the same position in Montreal, Can- 
ada. Is now engaged in the same work in Chicago, 111. 
He m. May 16, 1901, Julia Bruson of Brooklyn, N. Y. 

VIII. RoxEY, the oldest daughter of Col. Francis and 

66 



vSarah Childs McLean, was but fifteen years of age at the 
death of her mother, and was left with the immediate care 
of the five younger children, a trust which she executed 
conscientiously and well. She graduated at the Vernon 
Academy and Wesley an Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. 

Sne was a superior woman, of unusual native energy of 
character, a worthy helpmeet of her husband, aiding him 
greatly to gain a high position in the medical profession. 
She was a faithful mother, an excellent nurse, a devoted 
Christian, delighting in the ministrations of the church 
and Sunday school, and laboring in the temperance and 
missionary societies. 

She has heard the welcome plaudit, "Well done good 
and faithful servant," and has entered into her rest. 

She m. Sept. 28, 1840, Francis Lemuel Dickinson, M. 
D., b. Jan. 29, 1817, d. June 2, 1897. The Dr. fitted for 
college at Bacon Academy, Colchester and graduated at 
Yale Medical College in 1840. They lived in Willington, 
Conn, from '41 to '63, when they removed to Rockville. 

He was a man of great dignity of character, of sound 
judgment, of decided conservative opinions, sympathetic 
in the sick room and a skilful physician. He represented 
Willington in the State Legislature in 1850 and 1857. 
Was elected State Senator from Rockville district in 
1877, 1878 and 1879. 

children: 

1. Francis Palmer b. Aug. 16, 1841, 

2. Amasa Palmer b. Feb. 4, 1844, 

3. Sarah Eliza b. Oct. 4, 1849, d. Feb. 6, 1854 

4. Arthur Talcott b. July 23, 1855, 

1. Francis P., the oldest son of Roxey M. and Fran- 
cis L. Dickinson, served as commissary in the civil war, 
'61-65. Lived for several years in Tolland, Conn., is 
now in Springfield, Mass. 

M. April 8, 1866, Lucy C. Noyes of Bloomfield, 111. b. 
Aug. 16, 1849. 

67 



children: 

1. James Edward b. May 16, 18G7, d. Nov. 18, 1873 

2. Charlse Arthur b. Jan. 81, 186U, 
'S. Emma May b. May 27, 1870, 

4. Eliza Mary b. April 7, 187-J, 

5. Harriet Sophia b. Sept. 1873, d. May 1,1893 
(). Sarah lone b. May 4, lS7r), 

7. Grace Ellen b. July 14, 1877, 

8. Francis Noyes b. June 23, 1876, d. Sept. 2,1876 

9. Howard Churchill b. Nov. 15, 1878, 

10. Henry Eugene b. July 25, 1880, 

11. Maud Roxana b. Jan. 30, 1888, 

12. Allen McLean b. Oct. 6, 1889, 

2' Charles Arthur, m. Nov. 7, 1878, Alethea Isadore 
Tracy, b. Sept. 3. 1867. Children— 1" Arthur Walcott, 
b. Mar. 4, 1889, d. Oct. 13, 1889. 2" Daisy Tracy, b. 
Jan. 31, 1902. 3' Emma May, m. Apr. 26, 1895, Fred- 
erick Baker, Child— 1" Alma Vivian, b. May 29, 1901, 
Springfield, Mass. 4'Eliza M. m. Apr. 22, 1900, Edward 
Eddy. Son— I" Kenneth Edward, b. Aug. 6, 1902, Rock- 
ville, Conn. 6' Sarah lone, m. Apr. 8, 1895, Albert Smith, 
Springfield, Mass. 7' Grace E., m. May 22, 1895, Walter 
M. Stebbins. One child— 1" Elsie Grace, b. Jan. 4, 1896, 
Wales, Mass. 9' Howard C. , m. Apr. 17, 1901, Agnes 
Eddy, Tolland, Conn. 10' Henry Eugene, m. Aug. 17, 
1898, Teresa Watson. Child— 1" Everett Carlton, b. 
March 4, 1901. 

2. A. Palmer, second son of Roxey M. and Francis 
L. Dickinson , has held the position of Sheriff of the city 
of Rockville and Tolland Co. for a number of years. 
M. Aug. 8,1872, Anna F. Sill, b. Mar. 15, 1847. 

children: 
V George Edward b. Feb. 16, 1874, 
2' Ella Sill b. Oct. 16, 1875, 

3' Francis McLean b. Dec. 27, 1877, 
4' Ernest Hyde b- Sept. 1879, d. July 2, 1881 

5' Ray Palmer b. June 12, 1883, d. Nov. 22, 1883 

68 



1' George E. is in the government employ in Rockville. 
M. Nov. 0, 1901, Anna Katherine Lentzen, b. Oct. 8, 1877. 
2' Ella S., graduated from the Rockville High School 
and Mt. Holyoke College. Remained at the latter four 
years as assistant Registrar. Is now connected with the 
National Cathedral School, Washington, D. C. 3' Fran- 
cis McLean, graduated at the Rockville High School, 
also from the Yale Scientific School, New Haven, in 1900. 
Is now in the Medical Department, Columbia University, 
New York. 4. Arthur Talcott, third son of Roxey M. 
and Francis L. Dickinson, has been for many years a 
well-known electrician in Rockville and vicinity. He was 
loyally devoted to his aged mother till the end came. 
M. Sept. 5, 1893, Belle Hodge. Child— 1' Bernice Mae, 
b. May 1, 1895. 

IX. Sarah, the second dau. of Col. Francis and Sarah 
Childs McLean, was an unusually gifted woman, and a 
superior scholar both in the Home Academy, Wilbra- 
ham and Mt. Holyoke Seminary. She fitted herself for 
a teacher, a profession which she followed with marked 
success. She was quiet, unobtrusive, lady-like in man- 
ner, of commanding figure and presence, and influential 
wherever she moved — always finding work to do for the 
Master. She had charge of a private school at Willing- 
ton, also one at Danviile, Ky., for several years. She 
m. May 27, 1857, James Bannister Maynard of Rock- 
ville, b. Jan. 11, 1814, d. Sept. 11, 1884. 

children: 

1. James Edward b. Jan. 31, I860, 

2. Elizabeth McLean b. Nov. 30, 1865, 

1. James E. is a quiet, studious, industrious man and 
an exemplary Christian. For a number of years he has 
held a position of trust with the Springville, a large manu- 
facturing establishment in Rockville. 

69 



2. Elizabeth M. graduated at the Rockford High 
School and taught in the pubhc schools of that place for 
a number of j-ears. In 1898 she entered the Normal 
School at Los Angeles, Cal., and graduated from the 
Kindergarten department, with distinction, in 1900. She 
has since taught in kindergarten schools in Santa Ana 
and Los Angeles. She is an affectionate, large-hearted, 
vivacious Christian woman, filling well her sphere in life, 
in church, home, society and school. 

X. Harriet, the third dau. of Col. Francis and Sarah 
Childs McLean, was educated at Vernon Academy and 
Mt. Holyoke Seminary. She was a very attractive young 
lady, a fine musician and a very devout Christian. She 
delighted in her Sunday School class and in all church 
and missionar)^ work. Having a leading soprano voice 
she loved to use it in the service of her Master in the 
church choirs of Vernon and Talcottville. "I would not 
live alway." M. May 7, 185], Dea. Charles Denison 
Talcott, b. Sept. 11, 1823, d. July 17, 1882, He was 
one of the firm of "Taclott Bros." who carried on the 
manufacture of satinet at Talcottville with Vv'onderful suc- 
cess, in time owning all the landed property in the vil- 
lage, building a fine brick church, school-house, athen- 
eum, etc, making it a model manufacturing village. 

XI. Maria, fourth dau. of Col. Francis and Sarah 
Childs McLean, when an infant, met with an accident 
which rendered her lame for life. She was a brilliant 
girl, of a loving, confiding disposition. She possessed a 
wonderful voice, and diligentl}' studied music, and after- 
ward taught the piano and singing in Vernon and Rock- 
ville. In 1852 she taught in a sem. at Easton, Pa. In 
Sept. 1851 she went to Logansport, Ind. "I know that 
my Redeemer liveth." 

XII. Mary, the fifth dau. of Col, Francis and Sarah 
Childs McLean, was educated at Vernon Academy and 

70 



f 



Mt. Holyoke Sem., graduating in 1852. After two years 
of teaching, she returned home and remained with her 
father till his death in 1861. In 1865 she was at the 
head of the Latin department in Western Sem. Oxford, 
O. In 1866 she established a Young Ladies' Sem. at 
Des Moines, la. and conducted it successfully for two 
years. In 1868 she went to Cal. where she has ever 
since resided. She m. Dec. 22, 1860, Hon. Jacob Hardy of" 
Oakland, Cal. b. Dec. 5, 1827. Child— 

1. Sarah McLean, b. Oct. 12, 1870, graduated from 
the Oakland High School in '88 and from the University 
of Cal. '93, with distinction. After two years of gradu- 
ate work in the University of Chicago she received an 
appointment as Instructor in Economics in Wellesley 
College, Mass. M. Apr. 20, '96, Warren Gregory, a law- 
yer of San Francisco, b. Sept. 30, '64. 

children: 
1' Donald Munson b. Jan- 21, 1897 
2' Elizabeth McLean b. Apr 28, 1901 

XIII. John Hall, the youngest son of Col. Francis 
and Sarah Childs McLean, joined his brother Edward in 
Cal. in 1854. Is now a contractor in San Francisco. He 
is a warm-hearted man — strongly attached to his relatives 
and friends and ever ready to help the needy. 

;!< ^ 5}; * * 



71 



FAMILY OF REV. ALLEN McLEAN 

SIMSBURY, CONN. 



E. Rev. Allen McLean, the fifth child of Capt. Alex- 
ander and Johannah Smith McLean, was born at the 
Wheaton Place, North Bolton. "Until I commenced my 
eighteenth year," he says, "my education was no more 
than could be called common." He was past sixteen 
years of age when religion became a matter of personal 
concern with him. During a great revival in Vernon he 
heard a sermon, the closing words of which made a pow- 
erful impression upon him, "Whosoever shall fall upon 
this stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall 
fall, it will grind him to powder." After a long struggle 
and distress of mind, peace came at length, and from that 
time his heart was set upon the work of the Christian 
ministry. He prepared for college under Rev. Charles Back- 
us of Somers, and entered Yale College in 1801. As there 
were no railroads or stage-coaches in those days, a team 
was sent from home each term to carry the two young 
collegians, Allen McLean and Francis King, to the 
scene of their studies in New Haven. He graduated in 
1805. Studied divinity with Dr. Dwight and Rev. Asahel 
Hooker of Goshen. Was ordained pastor of the church 
in Simsbury in 1809, where he remained until his death. 
The salary offered was $450 a year. The remark of a 
neighboring venerable clergyman that "perhaps it was 
all that Christ could give" decided its acceptance. A 
good farm aided in the care of his family. 

His religious belief was the generally accepted New 
England theology of the day. He regarded the Assembly 
Catechism as a summary ol the essential truths of the 

^2 



Bible, and as "nearer perfection than any other human 
production." Quite late in life he said he had ''never 
changed his creed as he believed it to be in accordance 
with the Scriptures." His life was very uneventful ex- 
cept for his tremendous interest in religious things which 
kept him always in a state of more or less mental excite- 
ment, and the occasional revivals of interest among his 
people must have stirred his soul to its very depths. 
It could be said of him that he ' ' watched for souls as 
they that must give account," "ceasing not to warn every 
one night and day and with tears." His anxieties and 
labors seem never to have relaxed while he lived, except 
as the infimities of old age caused him to desist. When 
about sixty years of age his sight began to fail, and, when 
nearly seventy the blindness suddenly became total. 
Strength was given him to endure this infliction with 
patience and much cheerfulness, and during the long 
twelve years that followed he exhibited a character wor- 
thy of admiration. He often preached in his own and 
his son's pulpit, and always to edification. It was a 
touching sight to see the venerable pastor stand, hymn- 
book in hand, and repeat verse after verse of his favorite 
hymns. One of his best-loved tunes was good old Lenox, 
to the words, "Blow ye the trumpet blow," etc. 

He prepared and dictated several manuscript volumes 
of reminiscence, farewell and reflection. When a colle- 
gian was chosen in 1850 he declined longer to receive his 
salary. The church voted to give him $1<>0 yearly as long 
as he lived. 

Toward the close of his twelve years of blindness came 
the 5Uth anniversary of his settlement in Simsbury, and 
with much thought and deep feehng he prepared a long 
sermon for that occasion, which was read to a large au- 
dience by his son. Rev. Charles Backus McLean. It made 
a deep impression upon those who heard it and called forth 

73 



great love and sympathy for the aged pastor. After this 
he lived two and a half years, passing to his reward 
March 19, 1801. 

Hem. (1) Jan. 21, 1810, Sally, dau. of Daniel Pratt 
of East Hartford, b. July 27, 1781. In her later youth 
and up to the time of her marriage she was a member of 
the family of her aunt, Mrs. Ebenezer Kellogg of Vernon. 
She was admirably fitted to be his wife, and the relation 
was a very happy one. To the day of his death he used 
to speak of "my wife that's in the grave" with great 
tenderness and even reverence. She died Oct. 27, 1831, 
greatly esteemed by all who knew her. 

children: 

I. Allen Neal b. Mar. 18, 1811, d. vSept. 30, 1843 

ri. Lloyd b. Jan. 27. 1813, d. June 7, 1879 

III. Charles Backus b. Ang. 23, 1815, d. Oct. 29, 1873 
lY. Sarah Olmstead b. Aug. 23, 1817, 

V. Dudley Bestor b. Feb. 12, 1821, d. Dec. 29, 1894 

I. Allkn Neal, m. Emmeline Barber of Simsbury 
who d. in Elizabeth, N. J. June 11, 1886. 

children: 

1. Allen b. Nov. 17, 1837, d. Apr. 21, 1882 

2. Calvin Barber b. Aug. 21, 1839, d. Jan. 12, 1905 

3. Thomas Neal b. Feb. 17, 1813, 

1. Rkv. Allen, the eldest son of Allen Neal and Em- 
meline McLean, graduated at Yale College in 1865, and 
from the Theological Sem. 1868. Was Pastor of a Con- 
gregational Ch. in East Orange, N. J. for six years. M. 
(1) Dec. 1, 1869, Anna Belden, dau. of Horace Belden of 
Simsbury, Conn., who d. Apr. 27, 1875, in the South of 
France. child 

1' Anna Genevieve, b. June 11, 1872. 

In Nov. 1875 Mr. McLean became acting pastor of the 
Cong'l Ch. in Litchfield, Conn., where he remained till 

74 



the winter of 1881, when he was compelled by failing 

health to seek a more favorable climate in Florida where 

he died. 

M. (2) June 1,3, 1878, Fannie Maria Coit, dau. of Henry 

Coit of Litchfield. 

children: 

2- Allen b. July 14, 1879 

3' Henry Coit b. Nov. 15, 1881 

* * * * 

2. Rkv. Calvin Barber, the second son of Allen Neal 
and Emmeline B. McLean, was first a successful teacher, 
afterward an insurance agent, then a minister and pas- 
tor of several churches. In 1889 was clerk in the Gen- 
eral Office of the Penn. R. R., Philadelphia. In 1902 he 
was pastor of a Congl. Ch. in Danbury, then bought a 
farm in Cobalt. 

M. Aug. 30, 1865, Caroline Frances Dayton, dau. of 
Francis H. and Caroline (Erning) Dayton of Hartford. 

children: 
1' Mary Lucia Ethelwynne b. June 7, 1866 

2. Allen Francis b. Apr. 2, 1873 

3. Gillean Edith b. June 5, 1882 

1' Mary L. E., a graduate of the Woman's Medical 
College, Phil., is now a practising physician at Manila, 
P. I. 

2. Allen Francis, the second child of Calvin B. and 
Caroline F. McLean, enlisted for service in Cuba at the 
outbreak of the Spanish war. Served one year there and 
two in the Phillipines, having participated in over forty 
battles and skirmishes. In 1902 was stationed at Fort 
Leavenworth, Kansas, as Sergeant of Troop D., ith U. S. 
Cavalry, expecting to be commissioned Second Lieu- 
tenant. M. Jan. 11, 1905, Maria Mueller of Havana, 
Cuba. Now at Chicamauga, Tenn. 

75 



3. Dr. Thomas Neal, third son of Allen Neal and 
Erameline Barber McLean, is a graduate of the Medical 
College, New Haven. He has been settled for a number 
of years in Elizabeth, N. J. , where he has a large practice. 
M. Oct. 13, 1875, Sarah Elizabeth Bayliss, dau. of John 
Bayliss of New York City. 

children: 

1' Ethel b. Sept. 3, 1878, 

2' Bessie b. May 30, 1880, 

III. Rev. Charles Backus, third son of Rev. Allen 
and Sally Pratt McLean, was an amiable, gentle, studious 
boy. He graduated at Yale with honor in 183^. Was 
ordained pastor of the Congl. Ch. in Collinsville, Feb. 7, 
1844. His pastorate was a long one of over 22 years, and 
an unusually happy one. He was an earnest, impressive, 
winning preacher. Failure of health in May 18G6 brought 
his ministry to a close. In 1870 he visited California, 
accompanied by his wife, hoping to be benefitted by a 
change of climate. On his return he lived at the home of 
his wife in Wethersfield till the release came. "His 
record is on high." He m. July 9, 1845, Mary Dyer, 
dau. of John and Mary Dyer Williams of Wethersfield, 
b. Feb. 10, 1822. She was a woman of fine physique, of 
superior mind and great moral excellence of character. 
She was peculiarly fitted to be the wife of a pastor and 
aided greatly in making his pastorate successful. She 
was a beloved daughter of her father McLean who en- 
joyed her gentle ministrations and expressed sympathies, 
especially after his great affliction came upon him. He 
was never happier than in the home of his son at Col- 
linsville where both inmates cheered his lonely heart and 
brightened his hopes of the Eternal. 

She still cheers by her presence the friends in her 
Wethersfield home. She has wrought much fine literary 

76 



work, but is quite loth to have it known. She is never 
idle, but yet is quietly waiting for the Master's call to 
' 'come up higher." May the day be far distant ! 

IV. Sarah Olmstead, the fourth child and only daugh- 
ter of Rev. Allen and Sally Pratt McLean, received au 
excellent education, and for a time taught a private 
school of young ladies in her father's house. She is a 
woman of much refinement and nobility of character, and 
given to benevolence. She has substantially aided many 
of her relatives who are less favored by fortune than her- 
self. She was her father's amanuensis in the preparation 
of his manuscript volumes. She has always been strongly 
attached to her childhood's home at Simsbuiy, and gen- 
erally spends her summers there, while in the winter she 
lives at her home in New York City. Of her father's 
immediate famil)' she alone survives in her 88th year. 

M. (1) Sept. 5, 1839, Elisha Peck, a merchant in Hart- 
ford, afterward in New York, who died Jan. 18, 1863. 
Son— 1. Charles McLean Peck, b. Aug. 16. 1841, d. Oct. 
0. 1892. He was an insurance agent in New York City. 
M. April, 1861, Lucy Hastings Eaton who d. Apr. '^V', 
1896. Son— r Herman McLean Peck, b. Sept. 18, 1866. 
d. June 20, 190-4. He was for a time in business with his 
father. Was in poor health for a number of years, iv. 
Mrs. Sarah O. m. (2) April 20, 1869, Charles Abernethy, 
a merchant in New York City who d. March 29, 1878. 

V. Dudley Bestor, the youngest child of Rev. Allen 
and Sally Pratt McLean, lived with his father and carried 
on the farm in Simsbury. He was a warm-hearted, ge- 
nial man, kind in all the relations of life and an excellent 
Christian. He cared affectionately for his aged father in 
his last years. M. Sept. 16, 1846, Mary, dau. of Solo- 
mon and Hannah (Bishop) Payne of Canterbury, b. 
1820. She was an energetic and faithful wife and mother, 



77 



training her children in the fear of the Lord. She is now 
living with her son George in Simsbury. 

children: 

1. Hannah Bishcp b. Jan. 17, 1848, 

2. Charles Allen b. Oct. 12, 18' 0, d. June 11, 1889 
n. John Bunyan b. Dec. 17, 1852, 

4. Sally Pratt b. July 3, 1855, 

5. George Payne b. Oct. 7, 1857, 

1. Hannah Bishop received an excellent education, 
graduating at Mt. Holyoke Sem., So. Hadley, Mass., in 
18G7 For several years she was a successful teacher. 
She is now living in Cambridge where her two younger 
children are at school. M. in 1880, Wm. H. Greeley 
of Lexington, Mass., who died in 1889. Children — ' 
Roger, b. May 12, 1881; 2' Dorothea, b. Nov. 17, 1882; 
a' Hugh Payne, b. Mar. 5, 1884. 1' Roger, the eldest 
child, has fitted himself for the profession of architect 

2. Charles Allen, second child af Dudley B. and 
Mary P. McLean, was a surveyor and civil engineer by 
profession, also a skillful farmer and house-builder. He 
was a devout, active Christian. M. Oct. 13, 1871, Har- 
riet Woo<lford of Avon. 

children: 
1' Lorna Woodford b. Jan. 21, 1855, 
2' Mary Payne b. Nov. 5, 1887, 

1' Lorna Woodford is now a student at Wellesley 
College, Mass. 

2' Mary Payne is a member of the High School, Cam- 
bridge, Mass. 

3. Rev. John Bunyan, the third child of Dudley B. 
and Mary P. McLean, graduated at College and Theo- 
logical Sem. He is a licensed preacher of the Congl. 
denomination. For several years, he was at the head of 
the "McLean Sem." Simsbury, He is now teaching io 

78 



an Episcopal Boys' School of a high order in the same 
place. He is a man of Stirling worth, possessing a fine 
mind and a high moral character. He m. (1) Ida Still- 
man of Hartford. M. (2) Caroline Stillman, her sister. 
Both died a short time after marriage. M. (3) Ella Bot- 
tume. children: 

1' Margarite Eliza b. Aug. 21, 1890, 
2' Marian Kathleen b. Oct. 29, 1892, 
3' Allen Charles b. Oct. 2(3, 1898, 

4. Sally Pratt, the second dau. of Dudley B. and 
Mary P. McEean, attended Mt. Hblyoke Sem. in 1874. 
Is a well known writer of the popular fiction of the day, 
author of "Cape Cod Folks," "Towhead," "East Chance 
Junction," etc. Residence, Boston. M. in 1887 Frank- 
lin Greene of Ohio, who died in. 1889. 

children: 

J°^" H"/t I Twins— lived but two months. 

Dudley McLean ) 

5. George Payne, fifth child of Dudley B. and Mary 
P. McEean, studied law and practised in Hartford. Was 
for two years representative from Simsbury in the Legis- 
lature, and afterward Senator from his District. Was 
elected Governor of Conn, in 1900, and served success- 
fully and creditably for two years. Ill health prevented 
his re-election in 1902. 

He is a brilliant man, a ready speaker and a keen poli- 
tician. He possesses marked executive ability and is a 
statesman of high order. He was honored by the confer- 
ring of the degree of M. A. by Yale College at the Com- 
mencement exercises in 1904. Res. Simsbury. 

E. Rev. Allen McEean m. (2) Jan. 18, 1833, Nancy, 
dau. of Eot and Keziah Morgan of Plainfield, b. Jan. 25, 
1795. In her days of health she was very energetic and 
eflScient. Her husband bears ample testimony to her 
excellent management of their household affairs, her kind 

79 




sympathy and untiring labors in sickness, and her devo- 
tion to the interests of his children, especially during 
their youth when they most needed a mother's watchful- 
ness and care. She suffered much in her later years from 
nervous disorders which finally terminated her life, Sept. 



22, 1860. 



F. Mary, the sixth child of Capt. Alexander and Jo- 
hannah Smith McLean, was born in North Bolton. "She 
was tall and well developed in figure and of a good dis- 
position." She attended the excellent school of Abner 
Reed in Hartford for several years, and there contracted 
consumption, from which she died. 

G. RoSANNAH, the seventh and youngest child of Capt. 
Alexander and Johannah Smith McLean, was quite the 
opposite of her tall, vigorous sister Mary in physique. 
She was lively and social in her nature and of an affec- 
tionate disposition. She was also a member of Abner 
Reed's school in Hartford, and among other accomplish- 
ments learned water-colored painting. After the death of 
Mary in 1805 and her father in 1806, she painted a mourn- 
ing piece in memory of the departed. She also painted 
the coat-of-arms of her mother's family "By the name of 
Smith." Both pictures are still preserved. She died of 
consumption in 1809. 



So 



■^wnij 



A 



